Australian salt basins – options for underground hydrogen storage

As Australia and the world transition to net zero emissions, hydrogen will continue grow in importance as a clean energy source, with underground storage (UHS) expected be key component of this new industry. Salt (halite) caverns are preferred option for hydrogen, given their scale, stability high injection withdrawal rates they can support. The use salt storing gas is an established industry North America Europe but not Australia, where exploration suitable locations initial frontier stages. Australia’s known major halite deposits occur Neoproterozoic Paleozoic sequences predominantly located western central Australia. This analysis has identified potential eastern addition proven thick Adavale Basin, Queensland. Building on Geoscience previous studies Canning, Polda basins, study expands portfolio areas prospective onshore offshore basins using both direct indirect evidence. correlates paleogeography paleoclimate reconstructions evidence wells, geophysical geochemical data. cavern design UHS, solution mining process, also discussed. results provide pre-competitive information through comprehensive inventory that may UHS.