Hydrogen (H2) is a versatile energy carrier that offers a potential path forward for reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions if more widely deployed in conjunction with low-carbon energy sources. Large-scale storage is one of the major challenges that must be overcome to increase the use of H2 in the energy economy. Underground H2 storage (UHS) is an intriguing storage option that could be used to smooth variations in energy supply and demand and act as a capacitor between low-carbon energy generation and demand. Existing natural gas storage facilities in the United States (U.S.) are a logical first place to estimate hydrogen storage volumes because the subsurface geology has already proven favorable for gas storage. In this study, we use publicly available data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to estimate the potential for subsurface storage of pure (i.e., 100%) H2 and blended mixtures of H2 and natural gas (NG) in existing natural gas storage facilities across the conterminous United States (U.S.). The working-gas, H2-energy content for storing pure H2 in existing UGS reservoirs in the U.S. is estimated to be 327 terawatt-hour (TWh), while the total U.S. demand for clean H2 is projected to grow to 3740 TWh per year. Meeting this demand could require a tenfold increase in UHS capacity, compared to what is potentially available in existing UGS reservoirs.

Estimating subsurface hydrogen storage potential across the U.S. based on data for existing natural gas storage reservoirs

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.