(504b) The Effect of Geological Properties of Underground Storage on Its Suitability for Inter-Seasonal Storage of Hydrogen and Its Role in Achieving Net Zero

Sourcing a sustainable low-carbon energy supply is one of the key requirements towards attaining Net Zero by 2050. Although the use of renewable energies is on the rise, there remain some barriers to their full roll-out, including their intermittency. Underground storage of green hydrogen, generated by electrolysis using renewable energy, across a variety of geological formations and underground features, such as salt domes, rock cavities and aquifers, presents a solution to a year-round national-level supply of renewable energy. Although there are current debates for decentralising the energy grid, the use of inter-seasonal storage provides a good argument for the use of the existing centralised infrastructure.

This study aims to evaluate the role played by underground inter-seasonal storage in decarbonising energy in the UK. It will investigate key factors such as the potential of the UK for inter-seasonal storage, gather data on the properties of the inter-seasonal storage, evaluate what sector is most important for this application, and assess the potential environmental impacts. The effect of properties, such as permeability of surrounding layers, integrity of formation and storage pressure, on the amount of hydrogen that can be stored, how long it can be stored, the rate of loss during storage, and the rate at which hydrogen can be injected into and withdrawn from storage will be investigated. These findings will then be used as inputs to the Value Web Model, a mixed-integer linear programming model for the optimal design and operation of integrated energy value chains. Different optimal scenarios for the use of inter-seasonal storage in the UK will be developed, based on a range of probable costs, efficiencies, and capacities.

The results will be presented in best scenario terms, controlled by factors such as available geologies, demand and other local considerations. These scenarios will be discussed by the role they play for the UK and evaluated on their feasibility. The ultimate goal for the utilisation of inter-seasonal storage is to provide a solution to the current use of non-renewable fuels with the potential in aiding the UK through the transition to renewable energies by 2050.