Next-generation hydrogen storage: Artificial intelligence-powered optimization for clean energy

Transportation and storage costs represent a significant portion of delivered hydrogen expenses. As the world transitions to sustainable energy, hydrogen emerges as a promising clean energy carrier. However, storage remains a major challenge. This comprehensive review examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming hydrogen storage design. AI offers new solutions to overcome existing storage limitations. The technology is revolutionizing traditional methods through smart composite tank designs and AI- accelerated material screening processes. This paper analyzes practical implementations across leading global economies, and AI-powered systems demonstrate improved storage efficiency and enhanced safety measures. The integration of AI in hydrogen infrastructure addresses critical gaps in current storage solutions. The analysis draws from global policy developments, strategic initiatives, and recent technological advances. A notable innovation is also highlighted, such as powdered hydrogen storage using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), which stores hydrogen safely in dry powder form and releases it on demand with water. While kinetic limitations and reversibility challenges are currently hindering large-scale applications, AI integration enables on-demand control and safety optimization to support scalable and safe transportation solutions. These AI-driven innovations enhance storage capabilities significantly and accelerate hydrogen's integration into the global clean energy system. The findings demonstrate AI's crucial role in making hydrogen storage more efficient, safer, and economically viable.