Task 42: Underground Hydrogen Storage
Brief
This Task In Definition focuses on research & innovation challenges to prove and demonstrate the technical, economic, and societal viability of underground hydrogen storage (UHS). This concerns storage options in porous reservoirs, salt caverns, and other manmade spaces. While salt caverns are already being deployed for static storage of hydrogen, there is a need to test the technical feasibility of fast cyclic and high-performance injection and production as well as optimal management of dense clusters of them. The technical viability of hydrogen storage in porous reservoirs is relatively less developed, and as such, it is still under more fundamental scientific and technological investigations.
Underground Hydrogen Storage flyer
External Newsletter December 2022 - Task 42
General Objetives
The Task intends to support the acceleration of the safe implementation of UHS through coordinated collaborations and knowledge dissemination. The ambition is to contribute to research within this area, be a technology monitor for ongoing and new activities as well as contribute to the development of a regulatory framework for hydrogen underground storage in the countries involved in the Task.
Specific Objectives
The main objectives of this Task are:
• To provide a comprehensive assessment of the technical (capacity, efficiency, safety, potential of infrastructure re-utilization) and economic feasibility for large-scale UHS development.
• To determine the potential for safe UHS development in the involved countries based on the results of technical and economic feasibility studies, including special limitations due to above-ground use of space and presenting the advantages and disadvantages of onshore and offshore hydrogen storage.
• To establish under which subsurface conditions hydrogen storage in porous reservoirs is technically feasible by conducting relevant laboratory experiments, field measurements and numerical modelling research that help make informed decisions based on a good understanding of the residual risks involved.
• To present business developers and policymakers with general guidelines and recommendations that enhance safe and economic UHS deployment in porous geological reservoirs, salt caverns and other man-made caverns.
• To prevent unnecessary duplication in research activities and seek opportunities for synergy and complementary activities that support the acceleration of UHS while saving time and money
Task Structure
External Newsletter December 2022 - Task 42
Subtask A. Hydrogen conversion and contamination
Subtask B. Storage integrity
Subtask C. Storage performance
Subtask D. Surface facilities, wells and materials
Subtask E. Economics and system integration
Subtask F. Planning, regulation, safety and societal embedding