Salt caverns prove to be a cost-effective, high-capacity hydrogen storage method; has potential to store 2000+ tons of hydrogen.
Here’s an article posted in Hydrogen Central that talks about salt caverns which can be massive storage vaults.
According to the article,
- Salt caverns have the capacity to store large quantities of compressed hydrogen
- Hydrogen storage in salt caverns could help address the challenge of scaling up hydrogen production
- Unique challenges of storing hydrogen in salt caverns include its small molecules and high reactivity
This form of hydrogen storage is extremely beneficial when considering its financial aspects. Here are some points to note:
- According to a techno-economic analysis by iScience, the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) for salt caverns is approximately $0.8 per kg of hydrogen, which is about half the cost of storing hydrogen in porous media, estimated at $1.5 per kg.
- The analysis indicates that storage costs can account for a significant portion of the total hydrogen provision costs, potentially up to a quarter. Additionally, the operational efficiency of salt caverns allows for rapid injection and withdrawal of hydrogen, further enhancing their economic viability.
- In contrast, other storage methods, such as high-pressure tanks, can be significantly more expensive, with costs reported around $400 to $600 per kg for short-duration storage.
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