[ storage ]
In addition to safety , permitting is an important consideration . Current hydrogen storage solutions are cumbersome and require vast amounts of space . Overground cylinder racks quickly become impractical when storing several metric tons of hydrogen due to their size . Depending on the location , acceptance from the surrounding community can be a challenge when installing unsightly cylinder racks . What ’ s more , as highlighted by the International Energy Agency , this type of large civil engineering project often spans several jurisdictions , which can lead to delays due to permitting issues and a lack of socio-political support . 4
The alternative – geological storage – relies on suitable geology in proximity , such as salt caverns
or depleted gas reservoirs . Even when this is an option , geological storage solutions can require between five and seven years for construction . They also depend on the availability of the pipeline grid and sufficient production and demand , in thousands of tons of hydrogen . Onsite storage close to the point of production or use will therefore be needed .
To optimize space , hydrogen gas can be liquefied . While the density of hydrogen gas is approximately 0.083 g / L at atmospheric pressure , in the same conditions , liquefied hydrogen is 71.1 g / L , meaning it is about 853 times denser in liquid form . 5 Yet , vast amounts of energy are lost in the liquefaction process – around 25 – 35 %. 6 If liquid hydrogen is required in the supply chain , this is an This system can store up to 100 metric tons of hydrogen underground , occupying up to 30 times less surface area than alternative abovesurface solutions .
18 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 17 | August 2024