Large scale of green hydrogen storage: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is seen as an essential step toward a more sustainable future. Hydrogen is being recognized as a promising renewable energy carrier to address the intermittency issues associated with renewable energy sources. For hydrogen to become the “ideal” low or zero-carbon energy carrier, its storage and transportation shortcomings must be addressed. This paper will provide the current large-scale green hydrogen storage and transportation technologies, including ongoing worldwide projects and policy direction, an assessment of the different storage and transportation methods (compressed hydrogen storage, liquid hydrogen, blending hydrogen into natural gas pipelines, and ammonia as green hydrogen carrier), as well as economic factors that influence the viability of large-scale green hydrogen storage and transportation. The results of our study highlight several significant findings concerning the cost, challenges, and potential advancements in the green hydrogen storage and transportation field. Our analysis demonstrates that the cost associated with storing and transporting green hydrogen is anticipated to decrease over time due to technological advancements and economies of scale being achieved. However, the commercialization of this technology requires addressing challenges related to storage methods, transportation modes, efficiency optimization, and technology adoption. For example, our research highlights the need for thorough technical and economic evaluations of using salt caverns for hydrogen storage. The efficiency of hydrogen storage and transportation utilizing existing infrastructure, such as storage tanks and natural gas pipelines. By elucidating these aspects, our research contributes valuable insights that can guide future endeavors toward achieving a sustainable and economically viable green hydrogen industry.