Salt domes in Poland – Potential sites for hydrogen storage in caverns

Abstract

Salt bearing formations have world-wide distribution. The geological structures of Permian salt bearing deposits in Poland are similar to those in the other parts of the Central European salt basin, to which they belong as its SE part. There is a notable trend to use salt domes as sites for underground storage of various gases, fuels and other substances, including hydrogen. Possibilities of using salt domes in Poland for underground hydrogen storage are presented with the focus on the option of using the underground space for energy storage. Usefulness of the 27 hitherto studied salt domes in the Polish Lowlands for underground hydrogen storage in caverns is evaluated using analytical methods of the geology of mineral deposits.Seven not yet developed salt domes are selected as the most promising ones, taking into account geological and reservoir criteria: Rogóźno, Damasławek, Lubień, Łanięta, Goleniów, Izbica Kujawska and Dębina. Initial experience in underground hydrogen storage in salt caverns is presented. Geological conditions favourable for hydrogen storage in underground caverns leached in salt domes are outlined. Their advantage relative to underground storage sites in porous rocks (depleted hydrocarbon deposits and deep aquifers) is discussed.