Hydrogen is the hot topic of conversation in the tank storage industry. Here, Didier Wesoly, Business Development Manager at Geostock Group, the leading provider of underground storage solutions, trails the talk he will be giving on the subject at StocExpo, the largest and longest-running international bulk liquid storage event…
We all know hydrogen is difficult to store aboveground. The sheer pressure required presents enormous safety risks and, where space is at a premium, such as at ports and harbours, hydrogen storage is just not practical.
So, it is easy to see why it is preferential to store hydrogen underground. Salt caverns are our main method of storing hydrogen at the moment, but there are new methods being studied that might make hydrogen storage even easier. Let’s explore them.
Salt Caverns
Salt caverns are the most convenient way to store hydrogen underground at present. Salt caverns are not lined, as the salt itself acts as a sealant. They offer the advantage of a large capacity of storage (an average of 4000 t per cavern), and they can be flexible because they allow for high hydrogen injection rates and withdrawal cycles.
There are plenty of salt caverns all around the world, currently used for gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons, that could be considered for conversion to store hydrogen. New caverns could also be created at the same site. But there is little choice in terms of location; the geology is naturally occurring and it is where it is.
Porous Media
Another option for hydrogen storage is porous reservoirs (depleted oil/gas field or aquifers). Although this option is theoretical at the moment for pure hydrogen, it has been done in the past for H2/CH4 mixture, and recent breakthroughs suggest that it will be a very viable method for pure hydrogen storage in the years to come. But again, this will rely on naturally occurring geology.
Lined Mined Rock Caverns
Also in its study stage, industry leaders are exploring hydrogen storage in lined mined rock caverns. This method would see a gallery/tunnel dug around 100 metres underground and a membrane would confine the hydrogen product to prevent leaks.
Whereas the first two ways to store hydrogen already discussed require specific geology, salt formations or porous reservoirs, which are not available everywhere, lined mined rock caverns will be manmade. This method is therefore more flexible than the other two, and its promising studies suggest that it will be a very competitive solution for the hydrogen industry in the not-too-distant future.
A Final Word
Hydrogen storage is one of the biggest limiting factors in the adoption of cleaner energy technology, particularly in industry, but underground storage is a real solution that will only get better and more convenient as technology continues to progress. It’s an exciting space, and I’ll be sharing more about it in my talk at StocExpo. See you there!
World-leading experts from a variety of fields will join Didier in speaking at StocExpo in Rotterdam this May. The event will also host over 140 industry-leading organisations from across the world, many of whom will be launching new technologies and products or announcing company updates to the international audience.
For more information about StocExpo and to register to attend, exhibit or speak at the event, click here.
