Tips for storing hydrogen gas underground

To reach carbon emission reduction goals, many countries are looking to hydrogen fuels. Like carbon-based gases, these hydrogen fuels can be stored in high volumes and at low cost underground. However, storing hydrogen, with its small molecular size, is harder than traditional fuels.

Many potential locations exist for underground hydrogen storage (UHS), from abandoned mines to depleted gas and oil reservoirs. Salt caves are the leading storage solution, yet many challenges remain, including long-term leakage prevention and explosion risk mitigation.

Zhang et al. summarize the state of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) with a focus on remaining challenges for its development. The work presents the physiochemical properties of hydrogen, a review of existing research and pilot projects, and an assessment of different geological storage types.

“These findings not only provide researchers with a timely overview of current UHS research developments, but also offer practical guidelines for engineers during project design, construction, and operation phases,” Yuda Zhang said.

Zhang notes two areas of focus that are key to future development of UHS: novel material development and the leveraging of artificial intelligence, big data and the internet of things for real-time monitoring of storage facilities. To achieve these advancements and improve UHS safety, a multidisciplinary approach is needed that encompasses geology, chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental science.

“Ensuring long-term safe operation of UHS facilities requires comprehensive solutions ranging from geological site selection, engineering design, and construction quality control to continuous monitoring and emergency response systems,” Zhang said. “Establishing a robust safety management framework across all these aspects remains a key priority in UHS development.”

Source: “From UGS to UHS–the era of net-zero carbon emissions,” by Yuda Zhang, Guangjie Yuan, Yan Xia, Yueyang Guan, Tianen Liu, Zhi Chang, Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy (2025). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0250765 .