(145c) Evaluating Safety and Environmental Impact of Underground Hydrogen Storage Options

As the global energy landscape shifts towards cleaner alternatives, hydrogen emerges as a promising candidate for sustainable energy storage and utilization. This paper reviews the various underground hydrogen storage (UHS) options, including salt caverns / domes, depleted oil and gas fields, aquifers, depleted mines and lined rock formations, with a focus on evaluating their safety and environmental impact. Each storage method is analyzed for its potential risks, such as leakage, contamination, and stability, as well as its environmental footprint, including land use and ecosystem disruption. The comparative assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the trade-offs associated with each storage option, offering insights into the different options for large-scale hydrogen storage.