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Enabling large-scale hydrogen storage in porous media – the scientific challenges

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Paper Summary

Paperzilla title
Storing Hydrogen Underground: Big Potential, Big Challenges!

Large-scale underground hydrogen storage in porous media (UHSP) offers a promising solution for balancing renewable energy supply and demand. However, several scientific challenges, including hydrogen's unique properties, geochemical reactions, microbial activity, and geomechanical effects, must be addressed to ensure safe and efficient storage operations.

Explain Like I'm Five

Scientists are trying to store lots of special gas called hydrogen deep underground in rocks, like putting air in a sponge, to save sun and wind power for later. But they need to solve some tricky problems to make sure it's safe and works well.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified.

Identified Limitations

Limited Practical Experience
Limited practical experience with underground hydrogen storage in porous geological formations raises uncertainties and challenges.
Unique Hydrogen Properties
Hydrogen's unique properties necessitate specific considerations compared to other stored fluids.
Geochemical Reactions
Potential geochemical reactions between hydrogen, brine, and rock can lead to hydrogen loss, contamination, and altered injectivity.
Microbial Growth
Microbial growth in the reservoir can consume hydrogen and cause pore-clogging.
Geomechanical Effects
Cyclical pressure changes during injection and reproduction can impact reservoir integrity and induce seismicity.
Lack of Established Procedures
Lack of established site selection procedures and monitoring protocols specific to hydrogen storage.

Rating Explanation

This perspective paper comprehensively identifies the scientific challenges associated with large-scale underground hydrogen storage. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of hydrogen properties, geochemistry, microbiology, and geomechanics, which are crucial for safe and efficient storage operations. While acknowledging the vast potential of UHSP, the authors highlight the need for further research to address the identified uncertainties and optimize storage strategies.

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Topic Hierarchy

Field: Energy
Subfield: Fuel Technology

File Information

Original Title: Enabling large-scale hydrogen storage in porous media – the scientific challenges
Uploaded: July 14, 2025 at 05:13 PM
Privacy: Public