Hydrogen Storage in Lakes and Reservoirs: A Game-Changer for Green Energy

In the quest for cleaner energy solutions, hydrogen has emerged as a front-runner. Particularly, green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources like solar and wind, is garnering attention.

However, the roadblock in green hydrogen adoption is the lack of efficient and scalable storage solutions.

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications, researchers are now proposing a novel method for storing hydrogen using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes located at the bottom of lakes and reservoirs.

Dr. Julian David Hunt, a Research Scientist at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), along with his team, explores how existing infrastructure in hydropower systems can be repurposed for hydrogen storage.

This approach not only minimizes additional costs but also takes advantage of a method that could revolutionize energy storage.

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The Innovation Behind HDPE Pipes for Hydrogen Storage

Hydrogen storage has traditionally relied on methods like compressed hydrogen, which needs specialized tanks, and liquid hydrogen, which requires extremely low temperatures.

However, these methods are often not scalable, particularly when factoring in geographic limitations like underground salt caverns, which aren’t available everywhere.

Enter HDPE pipes—already present in many lakes and reservoirs as part of existing water management systems. These pipes are durable, corrosion-resistant, and able to withstand high underwater pressures.

Dr. Hunt explained, “The material is made to withstand high pressures underwater, making it highly durable and resistant to degradation.”

This innovative approach aims to inject hydrogen into these pipes, which would push out the water inside.

Hydrogen is stored at the same pressure as the water column outside the pipes, naturally preventing unnecessary expansion or compression of the hydrogen.

Pressure relief valves ensure that both water and hydrogen remain at steady pressure levels, even when water levels fluctuate.

This system poses no harm to aquatic life, as hydrogen is insoluble in water, making the process environmentally friendly.

“The main environmental impact is the existence of large pipelines at the bottom of the lake/reservoir, which could disrupt the fauna and flora,” Dr. Hunt acknowledged.

Overcoming the Challenges of Hydrogen Storage

While this method offers promising benefits, there are challenges, especially with regard to bathymetric data—the underwater topography of lakes and reservoirs.

Dr. Hunt emphasized, "The main issue is the lack of bathymetric data of lakes and reservoirs, which would provide critical insights into the feasibility of this storage solution."

Without this data, it is difficult to fully optimize and implement the proposed hydrogen storage solution across various geographic locations. Yet, the benefits far outweigh these challenges, with researchers hopeful that further studies will fill in the necessary knowledge gaps.

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Economic and Environmental Benefits

One of the most appealing aspects of this hydrogen storage method is its cost-effectiveness.

Researchers estimate that storing hydrogen in HDPE pipes at a depth of 200 meters could cost as low as $0.17 per kilogram, a highly competitive rate in the energy industry.

Moreover, the system requires 38 times less space than solar panel installations, highlighting its efficiency.

Beyond cost and space savings, this method also leverages existing hydropower infrastructure, making it versatile and scalable.

As water levels in reservoirs rise, so too does the hydrogen storage capacity, making this an ideal solution for regions with variable water levels.

The research team tested the method using data from the Oroville Reservoir in California and found that the global capacity for hydrogen storage in lakes and reservoirs could reach a staggering 15 petawatt-hours (PWh).

This includes 12 PWh in natural lakes and 3 PWh in artificial reservoirs, with the Caspian Sea alone representing over half of this potential at 6.4 PWh.

Potential for a Future Hydrogen Economy

With green hydrogen set to play a key role in the transition to cleaner energy, the need for scalable and cost-efficient storage solutions cannot be overstated.

This new method of hydrogen storage offers a way to store energy closer to where it’s needed—whether that be cities, industrial districts, or renewable energy plants—without the environmental impact associated with more traditional storage methods.

"Hydrogen storage with gravel and pipes in lakes and reservoirs is a competitive alternative for long-term hydrogen storage and can support the development of future hydrogen economies," Dr. Hunt explained.

He emphasized that, since the infrastructure is already in place, the method is both practical and economical.

However, Dr. Hunt also noted the importance of further research to explore the impact of this method on underwater ecosystems and to compile a comprehensive database of hydrogen storage options.

"An interesting research [topic] would be to combine all the possible options for large-scale hydrogen storage in one database, including geological, reservoirs, lakes, and oceanic storage," he concluded.

A Promising Future for Green Energy Storage

The proposed method for hydrogen storage using HDPE pipes offers a promising solution to one of the most significant challenges in the green hydrogen industry.

By repurposing existing infrastructure, this approach could significantly reduce costs while increasing scalability, making it a strong contender for the future of energy storage.

With continued research and development, this method could soon become a cornerstone of the hydrogen economy, unlocking new possibilities for green energy worldwide.