General methodology for the development and construction of hydrogen cavern storage facilities

PROJECT BLOG (IN GERMAN)

► Article of 16 February 2020 in MDR (external link)

Project goals

According to current knowledgen salt caverns offer excellent conditions for long-term storage of green hydrogen from fluctuating processes such as power-to-gas. Building on this the fundamentally oriented joint project H2-UGS is developing a standardized and transferable methodology for the future construction and conversion of salt caverns for hydrogen storage. These findings come together in a scientifically founded guideline for the location-independent evaluation of caverns. Questions of technical memory integrity and legal approval are included. Some key areas of research are:

• Determination of the transport and thermodynamic properties of H₂ and H₂-CH₄ mixtures under operating conditions for hydrogen storage in caverns
• Investigation of the hydrogen permeability of the entire casing / cement / rock system and the proof of the mechanical long-term stability and the battery efficiency of the storage rock
• Qualification of materials and components of the underground system and surface system for the safe operation of caverns as hydrogen storage
• Assessment of the influence of hydrogen on microbial activities in a cavern storage facility

Application

As a standardized methodology the guideline makes a significant contribution to the comprehensive retrofitting and use of salt caverns for hydrogen storage regardless of location. It is therefore an important tool for potential investors and authorities to be able to advance future approval projects faster and more efficiently.

Last but not least the project is an enabler for the H2-Forschungskaverne, which is tracking the actual construction of a hydrogen cavern in Bad Lauchstädt (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany).