Underground Hydrogen Storage in Salt Cavern: A Review of Advantages, Challenges, and Prospects

Xiaojun Qian, Shaohua You, Ruizhe Wang, Yunzhi Yue, Qinzhuo Liao (), Jiacheng Dai, Shouceng Tian and Xu Liu
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Xiaojun Qian: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
Shaohua You: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
Ruizhe Wang: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
Yunzhi Yue: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
Qinzhuo Liao: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
Jiacheng Dai: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
Shouceng Tian: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
Xu Liu: College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-23

Abstract: The transition to a sustainable energy future hinges on the development of reliable large-scale hydrogen storage solutions to balance the intermittency of renewable energy and decarbonize hard-to-abate industries. Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in salt caverns emerged as a technically and economically viable strategy, leveraging the unique geomechanical properties of salt formations—including low permeability, self-healing capabilities, and chemical inertness—to ensure safe and high-purity hydrogen storage under cyclic loading conditions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advantages of salt cavern hydrogen storage, such as rapid injection and extraction capabilities, cost-effectiveness compared to other storage methods (e.g., hydrogen storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, aquifers, and aboveground tanks), and minimal environmental impact. It also addresses critical challenges, including hydrogen embrittlement, microbial activity, and regulatory fragmentation. Through global case studies, best operational practices for risk mitigation in real-world applications are highlighted, such as adaptive solution mining techniques and microbial monitoring. Focusing on China’s regional potential, this study evaluates the hydrogen storage feasibility of stratified salt areas such as Jiangsu Jintan, Hubei Yunying, and Henan Pingdingshan. By integrating technological innovation, policy coordination, and cross-sector collaboration, salt cavern hydrogen storage is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing a resilient hydrogen economy, bridging the gap between renewable energy production and industrial decarbonization.

Keywords: salt caverns; underground hydrogen storage (UHS); hydrogen embrittlement; microbial activity; hydrogen economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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