Hydrogen Storage Potential in U.S. Underground Gas Storage Facilities
Abstract
Underground hydrogen storage is a potential long-duration energy storage
option for a low-carbon economy. While research into the technical
feasibility of hydrogen storage in various geologic formations is
ongoing, existing underground gas storage (UGS) facilities are appealing
candidates because of their demonstrated ability to store and deliver
gas. We estimate that transitioning U.S. UGS facilities from natural gas
to pure hydrogen storage would reduce their collective working-gas
energy by 75%, from 1,282 TWh to 327 TWh. However, withdrawals from
most (73%) UGS facilities could be increased to maintain current energy
demands with a 20% hydrogen-natural gas blend. Hydrogen demand
projections for the U.S. suggest that hundreds of new underground
hydrogen storage facilities may be needed by 2050. Storing pure hydrogen
or 20-60% hydrogen blends in UGS facilities can sufficiently buffer
this demand demonstrating that partial transitions of UGS infrastructure
to hydrogen storage could substantially reduce the need for new
facilities.