Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (2): 1-17.doi: 10.11978/2024115CSTR: 32234.14.2024115

• Review •     Next Articles

Research progress and challenges of offshore geological hydrogen storage technology*

GUAN Huixin1(), ZHAO Minghui1,2(), HUANG Ruifang1, XU Hehua1   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology (South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences), Guangzhou 511458, China
    2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2024-05-31 Revised:2024-08-01 Online:2025-03-10 Published:2025-04-11
  • Contact: ZHAO Minghui
  • Supported by:
    Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Project(2023A04J0182)

Abstract:

With the growing global demand for clean energy, hydrogen energy, as an important renewable energy reserve, has garnered widespread attention for its storage technology. Onshore hydrogen storage systems pose risks such as hydrogen leakage, drinking water contamination, and catastrophic injuries. In contrast, offshore geological environments are relatively stable and well-sealed, leading to widespread attention to and rapid development of offshore hydrogen storage technology. Currently, the main underground gas storage technologies include salt caverns, aquifers, and depleted oil and gas reservoirs. Salt cavern gas storage has been operating for many years in Europe and the USA and has a relatively mature technical foundation. However, there are no suitable locations for constructing salt caverns along China’s coast, which limits the build-up of salt cavern hydrogen storage to inland regions. However, China’s coastal areas have abundant underground aquifers and oil and gas reservoirs, necessitating timely related geological research to promote the development and application of relevant technologies in different marine areas and the comprehensive development of the hydrogen energy industry. Developing offshore hydrogen storage technology requires not only integrating the unique geological conditions of the margin with the special physical and chemical properties of hydrogen, but also considering geological, hydrological, biochemical, and mineralogical factors to ensure a rational planning and safe operation, in addition to using the latest geophysical methods in site selection. Looking ahead, offshore hydrogen storage technology will not only provide theoretical support for the development of renewable energy technologies in China but also play a significant role in promoting a low-carbon, green, and sustainable development.

Key words: hydrogen storage, offshore, salt cavern, aquifer, oil and gas reservoir

CLC Number: 

  • P744.41