Utilizing publicly available datasets for identifying offshore salt strata and developing salt caverns for hydrogen storage

Abstract Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in future climate-neutral economy by decarbonizing ‘hard abate’ sectors, and importantly act as an energy carrier balance intermittent renewable production, which, if stored, could be used address grid-scale demands. It evident that for unlocking the vast potential of hydrogen technologies, large-scale storage with capability fast cyclic operations needs secured. Underground salt caverns, where decades operational experience exist, offer attractive option due high sealing salt, large injection/withdrawal flow rates capacity volume storage. This study presents novel methodology selecting offshore cavern sites based on publicly available datasets, which leads eventually estimating regional capacities. The Southern North Sea was investigated case detailing single diapiric structure presented, demonstrating strength practicality framework well highlighting decarbonization journey UK.