ABSTRACT
As the global energy sector transitions from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources, it is crucial to that hard-earned lessons from the oil and gas industry are not lost – particularly in managing microbiological challenges. Microbiologically influenced issues such as reservoir souring and infrastructure corrosion caused by sulphate-reducing prokaryotes (SRP) and other microbial contributors were once overlooked. Over time, microbial influences were gradually acknowledged and systematically addressed through the development of monitoring and mitigation strategies. This chapter explores the evolution of microbiological monitoring in oil and gas, highlighting how decades of research have shaped current best practices. Drawing parallels, we explore how these insights can inform and guide the renewable energy sectors, where microbial activity is increasingly recognised as a factor affecting geothermal systems, hydrogen energy, carbon storage, biofuels, and even solar and wind technologies. By transferring knowledge across energy domains and identifying gaps that still exist, we aim to support the development of robust, proactive microbial management strategies essential for ensuring the safety, sustainability, and resilience of future energy systems.
