CO2CRC is partnering with important scientific partners CSIRO and Geoscience Australia on pioneering research into the technical development of geological hydrogen storage in Australia.
Australia’s hydrogen sector is predicted to grow 40% by 2030, reaching a potential export value of $5.7 billion by 2040. Hydrogen must be stored in geological formations to enable a hydrogen supply chain on a larger scale than the 100,000 tonnes required for a net-zero future and export market.
Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) provides critical capacity for balancing supply and demand, as well as seasonal changes. Current surface hydrogen storage infrastructure, such as pipes or tanks, will be insufficient to meet expected demand in the future. The value of UHS is that hydrogen may be produced outside of peak demand and safely stored underground until it is needed, so ensuring long-term energy security and supply stability. UHS is thus a critical component of a commercially viable hydrogen value chain.
“Australia has the technical knowledge and natural resources to become a global leader in hydrogen production and export. Key to the successful implementation of a full-scale hydrogen economy requires large-scale storage, and geological formations present an ideal solution. This Underground Hydrogen Storage Project will fortify Australia’s position as a technical leader in the global transition to a hydrogen economy and net-zero future.” said Dr Matthias Raab, Chief Executive, CO2CRC.
The inaugural UHS study, co-led by CO2CRC and CSIRO, will address critical technological challenges such as fundamental hydrogen storage techniques, hydrogen withdrawal effectiveness, and UHS integration with downstream distribution. Beyond H2, a founding member of the NERA Clayton Hydrogen Technology Cluster, is funding this study. Beyond H2 is exploring energy-efficient solutions in order to expedite the growth of Australia’s hydrogen economy.
“Australia has vast porous geological storage resources that are proven storage formations for methane and CO2. These same underground storage formations can provide large-scale and long-term hydrogen storage options to enable Australia to become a leading global exporter of hydrogen. CO2CRC’s pioneering research into underground hydrogen storage in Australia will be fundamental in the development of Australia’s hydrogen economy” says Dr Max Watson, Senior Manager Technology Development, CO2CRC.
The initiative will pave the way for an underground hydrogen storage field demonstration. The study will establish an optimized approach for developing hydrogen storage sites, including methods for screening, selecting, developing, and operating acceptable hydrogen storage sites on a commercial scale. This pre-feasibility research intends to lay the groundwork for the demonstration of a hydrogen facility capable of securely storing and withdrawing hydrogen from a geological storage reservoir.
