Opportunities and challenges of large-scale salt cavern hydrogen storage in China coupled with renewable energy sources

Abstract To expedite China’s pursuit of the “dual-carbon” goal, a gradual transition from traditional fossil energy to renewable energy sources is imperative for the nation’s energy mix. Hydrogen energy, poised to become a pivotal component of the future energy industry, offers myriad advantages, including diverse sources, high efficiency, cleanliness, and high energy density. Salt caverns present distinct benefits for underground storage. This research synthesizes the current development trajectories of renewable energy and hydrogen energy in China, summarizing the advantages, disadvantages, and economic comparisons of various underground hydrogen storage methods, with a particular emphasis on the merits of salt cavern hydrogen storage. Furthermore, it reviews the current state and opportunities for salt cavern hydrogen storage both domestically and internationally, underscoring its substantial potential within China. Ultimately, the research identifies three major scientific and technological challenges associated with hydrogen storage in salt caverns in China and envisions future directions for this technology. The findings of this research are anticipated to contribute to the development of a hydrogen storage strategy in salt caverns that aligns with China’s national conditions.