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Technical characteristics and developmental prospect of hydrogen storage in salt cavern: A perspective of layered salt rocks

Author

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  • Ji, Zhenxing
  • Liu, Jianfeng
  • Cai, Yougang
  • Yang, Jianxiong
  • Yi, Haiyang
  • Jiang, Liangliang
  • Wei, Jinbing
  • Hassanpouryouzband, Aliakbar

Abstract

Renewable energy is pivotal in the process of industrial decarbonization, with hydrogen recognized as a highly available and clean energy source. However, achieving a full-scale hydrogen economy necessitates large-scale storage. As such, storage in salt formations, known for its superior peak shaving capabilities, is considered a potential solution. Given the variability of layered salt formations, this review offers a critical synthesis of the technical characteristics and challenges in the field of Salt cavern hydrogen storage, including hydrogen loss, site selection, and safety evaluation. The proposed site selection criteria demand higher requirements for the sealing integrity of the rock formations and recommend conducting hydrogen storage potential assessments. The safety evaluation system presented includes 15 indicators, emphasizing the impact of hydrogen permeation on the stability of salt pillars. Additionally, the review discussed the potential and challenges of developing integrated energy systems incorporating salt cavern hydrogen storage, proposing an operational framework for integrated energy systems that accounts for constraints,site selection, and system operation optimization. Lastly, conclusions and recommendations for future research are presented. This review offers insights for future work and is expected to contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ji, Zhenxing & Liu, Jianfeng & Cai, Yougang & Yang, Jianxiong & Yi, Haiyang & Jiang, Liangliang & Wei, Jinbing & Hassanpouryouzband, Aliakbar, 2025. "Technical characteristics and developmental prospect of hydrogen storage in salt cavern: A perspective of layered salt rocks," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 213(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:213:y:2025:i:c:s1364032125001248
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115451
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