Towards underground hydrogen storage: A review of barriers

The presented issues concern the analysis of barriers limiting large-scale underground hydrogen storage. Prospects for the rapid development of the hydrogen economy, the role of hydrogen in a carbon-neutral economy, and the production, use, and demand for hydrogen today and in the perspective of 2050 are indicated. The decreasing costs of producing 'green' hydrogen, rising prices of CO2 emission allowances, and the development of carbon capture and storage technology will have a significant impact on the rapid deployment of underground hydrogen storage (UHS). Underground storage of large quantities of hydrogen from surplus renewable energy production is of interest to government institutions interested in the construction of hydrogen storage sites, geological services, large renewable energy sources electricity producers, and chemical and petrochemical plants. It offers the possibility of long-term, safe storage of this gas at relatively low costs. The prospect of quick implementation of UHS technology on an industrial scale is associated with the definition and overcoming of numerous barriers and obstacles that stand in its way today. Based on the recent literature, they are discussed in the present article. The following have been identified as significant barriers to the implementation of UHS: geological and reservoir constraints, technical and safety limitations, legal barriers, conflicts of interest, and social acceptance of underground hydrogen storage. The most important obstacles in this regard have been identified.

Automated summary

This article discusses the analysis of barriers to large-scale underground hydrogen storage and highlights the prospects for hydrogen economy development, its role in a carbon-neutral economy, and the current and future production, use, and demand for hydrogen. The article also explores the potential and obstacles associated with underground storage of significant quantities of hydrogen from surplus renewable energy production.