Large-scale hydrogen energy storage in salt caverns

Large-scale energy storage methods can be used to meet energy demand fluctuations and to integrate electricity generation from intermittent renewable wind and solar energy farms into power grids. Pumped hydropower energy storage method is significantly used for grid electricity storage requirements. Alternatives are underground storage of compressed air and hydrogen gas in suitable geological formations. Underground storage of natural gas is widely used to meet both base and peak load demands of gas grids. Salt caverns for natural gas storage can also be suitable for underground compressed hydrogen gas energy storage. In this paper, large quantities underground gas storage methods and design aspects of salt caverns are investigated. A pre-evaluation is made for a salt cavern gas storage field in Turkey. It is concluded that a system of solar-hydrogen and natural gas can be utilised to meet future large-scale energy storage requirements.

► Energy storage is used for intermittent renewable energy integration into power grid.
► Salt caverns can be suitable for underground compressed hydrogen gas storage.
► Minimum gas pressure and dilatancy are safety analysis parameters for salt caverns.
► Tuz Golu gas storage site is favourable for a solar-hydrogen-gas based energy system.