Comprehensive Analysis of Hydrogen Storage: Addressing Geo-storage and Critical Challenges

This study assesses the potential of underground hydrogen storage in porous rock formations found in depleted oil/gas fields, saline aquifers, solution-mined salt caverns, and engineered rock caverns. The task is to enhance the quantity of hydrogen stored on the surface while ensuring the safe and long-term subsurface storage of hydrogen in compatible reservoir formations, eliminating any potential leakage. Hydrogen Geo-storage (HGS) is a process of injecting and storing hydrogen into subsurface formation, which is a significantly longer-term perspective underground storage of Hydrogen. It is an effort to achieve net-zero decarburization for future climate change mitigation and reduce the footprint of greenhouse gases. The paper outlines the need for underground gas storage, explores the technical aspects of hydrogen gas storage, and evaluates the geological, environmental, and storage media criteria. It addresses challenges such as the risks of hydrogen conversion, loss, leakage and contamination from microbial activity, discusses the role of cushion gas, reviews legal and regulatory conditions, and concludes with recommendations for the safe and effective adoption of HGS. The objective is to understand solid-fluid and fluid-fluid interactions within storage formations to optimize HGS processes while ensuring safe and environmentally friendly reservoir performance. A comprehensive consideration of technical, environmental, and legal aspects is essential for successful hydrogen geo storage.