CHEAP AND SAFE HYDROGEN STORAGE

Didier Wesoly and Louis Londe from Geostock explain the four options for storing hydrogen Hydrogen has been identified as an energy carrier that could play a major role in decarbonation, and green hydrogen is seen as a possible substitute for fossil fuel. This will lead to a large usage of hydrogen in the near future, and these substantial quantities of hydrogen will require large storage capacities. Surface facilities to store hydrogen, like spheres, pressure vessels or trailers are suitable for small quantities, less than 50 tonnes, but alternative solutions must be implemented to store larger quantities. Underground storage will be one of the best ways, with numerous advantages in terms of environment protection, safety, and above all, capex and opex. STORAGE OPTIONS Most of the techniques developed to store natural gas in large quantities, like salt-leached caverns or underground storage in porous rocks (aquifers or depleted fields), or lined rock cavern can be adapted to hydrogen storage. Experienced and know-how gained in natural gas storage can then benefit to the development of hydrogen storage. Four ways to store large quantities of hydrogen can then be considered: ...