As the UK government and industry stakeholders grapple with the challenge of achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the British Geological Survey (BGS) has emphasized that underground hydrogen storage is ‘essential’ for the stability of renewable energy systems. BGS’s comprehensive briefing note highlights the critical role of hydrogen storage in balancing the increasingly volatile supply and demand dynamics of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
In examining the UK energy landscape, it’s apparent that current storage capacities are insufficient. The UK’s gas storage capacity is limited to an average of 12 days, one of the lowest in Europe. In contrast, achieving net zero by 2050 will require a fivefold increase in this capacity. Tim Armitage, a BGS geoscientist, highlights the importance of scalable storage solutions such as salt caverns, lined rock caverns, and depleted hydrocarbon fields. These technologies present viable avenues for hydrogen storage and offer the long-duration capacity essential for stabilizing a grid heavily reliant on intermittent renewable energy sources.
Despite the technological promise, significant challenges remain. Industry participants point to substantial knowledge gaps regarding the geological, economic, and regulatory aspects of large-scale hydrogen storage. The UK lacks comprehensive regulatory frameworks for hydrogen storage, which increases the perceived risk for stakeholders and could hinder adoption.
To address these gaps, the BGS briefing suggests that the UK must bolster its efforts through increased investment in demonstration projects. These projects are vital for building technical capabilities, overcoming market adoption barriers, and ultimately achieving widespread integration of hydrogen technology. Furthermore, a clearer regulatory landscape is essential to mitigate the risks perceived by industry and investors alike.
Armitage asserts that while technological and regulatory challenges are considerable, they are not insurmountable. Strategic investments in research and development could unlock the full potential of hydrogen storage, thereby stabilizing the energy grid and ensuring a consistent hydrogen supply. This is critical not only for meeting the UK’s climate objectives but also for facilitating the decarbonization of sectors such as shipping and heavy industry, which are notoriously difficult to transition to clean energy.
