An investigation into large-scale hydrogen energy storage in the UK

Stone, Howard B.J., Richardson, R. Neil and Veldhuis, Ivo (2005) An investigation into large-scale hydrogen energy storage in the UK. International Hydrogen Energy Congress & Exhibition, Istanbul, Turkey. 12 - 14 Jul 2005.

Abstract

The potential use of hydrogen as an energy carrier in the UK is dependant on a number of economic, technical and environmental factors. In the short term, the UK Government anticipates a transition from a fossil fuel based energy economy to a fossil fuel derived hydrogen economy with carbon sequestration. An important factor in considering the replacement of fossil fuels with hydrogen will be the practicality of storing sufficient quantity, either in gaseous or liquid form, to smooth out fluctuations in demand and provide a strategic reserve. It is anticipated that a minimum storage capacity equivalent to 2x105m3 at NTP will be required, ideally distributed around the country according to anticipated demand in each region and accessible to centers of population and industry. The UK has a number of areas where storage of hydrogen gas in natural underground spaces may be feasible. These include worked-out salt mines and depleted oil and gas wells. This paper investigates the potential for such large-scale storage. Factors considered include the technical and geophysical problems of storage, the logistics of various locations and legislative and legal issues. Equations of state for compressed gases are reviewed and the form most appropriate to underground storage of hydrogen highlighted. The geophysics of underground storage at a number of specific sites is considered in more detail. It is concluded that there is significant potential in the UK for underground storage of hydrogen. This work will be of interest to the wider hydrogen research community and energy specialists whilst policy makers and the commercial sector are best placed to exploit the findings.

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