Transmission, Distribution & Storage

Hydrogen can be a renewable energy carrier and is suggested to store renewable energy and mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. Subsurface storage of hydrogen in salt caverns deep saline formations and depleted oil/gas reservoirs would help to overcome imbalances between supply and demand of renewable energy. Hydrogen however is one of the most important electron donors for many subsurface microbial processes including methanogenesis sulfate reduction and acetogenesis. These processes cause hydrogen loss and changes of reservoir properties during geological hydrogen storage operations. Here we report the results of a typical halophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium growing in a microfluidic pore network saturated with hydrogen gas at 35 bar and 37°C. Test duration is 9 days. We observed a significant loss of H2 from microbial consumption after 2 days following injection into a microfluidic device. The consumption rate decreased over time as the microbial activity declined in the pore network. The consumption rate is influenced profoundly by the surface area of H2 bubbles and microbial activity. Microbial growth in the silicon pore network was observed to change the surface wettability from a water-wet to a neutral-wet state. Due to the coupling effect of H2 consumption by microbes and wettability alteration the number of disconnected H2 bubbles in the pore network increased sharply over time. These results may have significant implications for hydrogen recovery and gas injectivity. First pore-scale experimental results reveal the impacts of subsurface microbial growth on H2 in storage which are useful to estimate rapidly the risk of microbial growth during subsurface H2 storage. Second microvisual experiments provide critical observations of bubble-liquid interfacial area and reaction rate that are essential to the modeling that is needed to make long-term predictions. Third results help us to improve the selection criteria for future storage sites.

Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) has received significant attention over the past few years as hydrogen seems well-suited for adjusting seasonal energy gaps. We present an integrated reservoir-well model for “Viking A00 the depleted gas field in the North Sea as a potential site for UHS. Our findings show that utilizing the integrated model results in more reasonable predictions as the gas composition changes over time. Sensitivity analyses show that the lighter the cushion gas the more production can be obtained. However the purity of the produced hydrogen will be affected to some extent which can be enhanced by increasing the fill-up period and the injection rate. The results also show that even though hydrogen diffuses into the reservoir and mixes up with the native fluids (mainly methane) the impact of hydrogen diffusion is marginal. All these factors will potentially influence the project's economics.

The importance of the energy transition and the role of green hydrogen in facilitating this transition cannot be denied. Therefore it is crucial to pay close attention to and thoroughly understand hydrogen storage which is a critical aspect of the hydrogen supply chain. In this comprehensive review paper we have undertaken the task of categorising and evaluating various hydrogen storage technologies across three different scales. These scales include small-scale and laboratory-based methods such as metal-based hydrides physical adsorbents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Also we explore medium and large-scale approaches like compressed gaseous hydrogen liquid cryogenic hydrogen and cryocompressed hydrogen. Lastly we delve into very large-scale options such as salt caverns aquifers depleted gas/oil reservoirs abandoned mines and hard rock caverns. We have thoroughly examined each storage technology from technical and maturity perspectives as well as considering its techno-economic viability. It is worth noting that development has been ongoing for each storage mechanism; however numerous technical and economic challenges persist in most areas. Particularly the cost per kilogramme of hydrogen for most current technologies demands careful consideration. It is recommended that small-scale hydrogen storage technologies such as metal hydrides (e.g. MgH2 LiBH4) need ongoing research to enhance their performance. Physical adsorbents have limited capacity except for activated carbon. Some liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LCOHs) are suitable for medium-scale storage in the near term. Ammonia-borane (AB) with its high gravimetric and volumetric properties is a promising choice for medium-scale storage pending effective dehydrogenation. It shows potential as a hydrogen carrier due to its high storage capacity stability and solubility surpassing DOE targets for storage capabilities. Medium-scale storage utilising compressed gas cylinders and advancements in liquefied and cryocompressed hydrogen storage requires cost reduction measures and a strategic supply chain. Large-scale storage options include salt caverns aquifers and depleted gas/oil reservoirs with salt caverns offering pure hydrogen need further technoeconomic analysis and deployment projects to mature but storage costs are reasonable ranging mostly from €0.25/kg to €1.5/kg for location specific large-scale options.

The growing demand for energy and the need to reduce the carbon footprint has made green hydrogen a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source. Solid-state hydrogen storage aims to store hydrogen in a solid matrix offering potential advantages such as higher safety and improved energy density compared to traditional storage methods such as compressed gas or liquid hydrogen. However the development of efficient and economically viable solid-state storage materials is still a challenge and research continues in this field. Borophene is a two-dimensional material that offers potential as an intermediate hydrogen storage material due to its moderate binding energy and reversible behavior. Its unique geometry and electronic properties also allow for higher hydrogen adsorption capacity than metal-based complex hydrides surpassing the goals set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Borophene has shown great potential for hydrogen storage but it is still not practical for commercial use. In this review borophene nanomaterials chemical and physical properties are discussed related to hydrogen storage and binding energy. The importance of borophene for hydrogen storage the challenges it faces and its future prospects are also being discussed.

Hydrogen storage might be key to the success of the hydrogen economy and hence the energy transition in Germany. One option for cost-effective storage of large quantities of hydrogen is the geological subsurface. However previous experience with underground hydrogen storage is restricted to salt caverns which are limited in size and space. In contrast pore storage facilities in aquifers -and/or depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs- could play a vital role in meeting base load needs due to their wide availability and large storage capacity but experiences are limited to past operations with hydrogen-bearing town gas. To overcome this barrier here we investigate hydrogen storage in porous storage systems in a two-step process: 1) First we investigate positive and cautionary indicators for safe operations of hydrogen storage in pore storage systems. 2) Second we estimate hydrogen storage capacities of pore storage systems in (current and decommissioned) underground natural gas storage systems and saline aquifers. Our systematic review highlights that optimal storage conditions in terms of energy content and hydrogen quality are found in sandstone reservoirs in absence of carbonate and iron bearing accessory minerals at a depth of approx. 1100 m and a temperature of at least 40°C. Porosity and permeability of the reservoir formation should be at least 20% and 5 × 10−13 m2 (~500 mD) respectively. In addition the pH of the brine should fall below 6 and the salinity should exceed 100 mg/L. Based on these estimates the total hydrogen storage capacity in underground natural gas storages is estimated to be up to 8 billion cubic meters or (0.72 Mt at STP) corresponding to 29 TWh of energy equivalent of hydrogen. Saline aquifers may offer additional storage capacities of 81.6–691.8 Mt of hydrogen which amounts to 3.2 to 27.3 PWh of energy equivalent of hydrogen the majority of which is located in the North German basin. Pore storage systems could therefore become a crucial element of the future German hydrogen infrastructure especially in regions with large industrial hydrogen (storage) demand and likely hydrogen imports via pipelines and ships.

Hydrogen gas can provide baseload energy as society decarbonizes through the energy transition. Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) will be secure convenient and scalable to accommodate excess hydrogen production or compensate temporary shortfalls in energy supply. Hydrogen is a gas under all viable subsurface conditions so is invasive mobile and low-density. Methane and CO2 are also stored underground but storage parameters differ for each affecting the balance of geological storage risks. UHS in Australia is most likely to utilise conventional sedimentary reservoir rocks bound by conventional trapping closures. Hydrogen energy density will affect the competitiveness of UHS against purpose-built surface storage or solution-mined salt cavities. This study presents an overview of key considerations when screening for UHS opportunities and evaluates them for five Australian sedimentary basins. A threshold storage depth mapped across them reveals that the most prospective UHS basins will have to function as integrated energy fluid resource systems.

Hydrogen plays an important role for the decarbonization of the energy sector. In its gaseous form it is stored at pressures of up to 1000 bar at which real gas effects become relevant. To capture these effects in numerical simulations accurate real gas models are required. In this work new correlation equations for relevant hydrogen properties are developed based on the Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (REFPROP). Within the regarded temperature (150e400 K) and pressure (0.1e1000 bar) range this approach yields a substantially improved accuracy compared to other databased correlations. Furthermore the developed equations are validated in a numerical simulation of a critical flow Venturi nozzle. The results are in much better accordance with experimental data compared to a cubic equation of state model. In addition the simulation is even slightly faster.

Hydrogen as a clean zero-emission energy fuel will play a critical role in energy transition and achievement of the net-zero target in 2050. Hydrogen delivery is integral to the entire value chain of a full-scale hydrogen economy. This work conducted a systematic review and analysis of various hydrogen transportation methods including truck tankers for liquid hydrogen tube trailers for gaseous hydrogen and pipelines by identifying and ranking the main properties and affecting factors associated with each method. It is found that pipelines especially the existing natural gas pipelines provide a more efficient and cheaper means to transport hydrogen over long distances. Analysis was further conducted on Canadian natural gas pipeline network which has been operating for safe effective and efficient energy transport over six decades. The established infrastructure along with the developed operating and management experiences and skillful manpower makes the existing pipelines the best option for transport of hydrogen in either blended or pure form in the country. The technical challenges in repurposing the existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen service were discussed and further work was analyzed.

In this podcast David Ledesma talks to Martin Lambert and Abdurahman Alsulaiman about the potential hydrogen import market particularly focusing on the EU which currently holds the largest and earliest hydrogen target. The podcast explores the emerging hydrogen trade market and considers numerous possibilities for its open up providing better clarity on policy statements and balance them against project announcements.

Throughout the podcast Martin and Abdulrahman delve into various key points – they shed light on the primary areas of focus for projects set to be completed by or before 2030 as well as the distinction between announcements and tangible progress such as projects currently at the Final Investment Decision stage or under construction.

Additionally they explore the EU’s role as one of the few countries to have publicly announced its requirements for hydrogen imports and its ambitious hydrogen import target. The EU is currently establishing a benchmark for the future hydrogen market. However in order for the EU to succeed in establishing future hydrogen supply lines with future trade partners it will be crucial to engage in open dialogues covering a wide range of topics.

Join us in this podcast as we uncover the potential of the hydrogen import market with a specific focus on the EU and discuss the necessary steps for its success.

The podcast can be found on their website.

To achieve the shift to renewable energies efficient energy storage is of the upmost importance. Hydrogen as a chemical energy storage represents a promising technology due to its high gravimetric energy density. However the most efficient form of hydrogen storage still remains an open question. Absorption-based storage of hydrogen in metal hydrides offers high volumetric energy densities as well as safety advantages. In this work technical economic and environmental aspects of different metal hydride materials are investigated. An overview of the material properties production methods as well as possibilities for enhancement of properties are presented. Furthermore impacts on material costs abundance of raw materials and dependency on imports are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of selected materials are derived and may serve as a decision basis for material selection based on application. Further research on enhancement of material properties as well as on the system level is required for widespread application of metal hydrides.