Utility-scale subsurface hydrogen storage: UK perspectives and technology

To reduce effects from anthropogenically induced climate change renewable energy systems are being implemented at an accelerated rate, the UKs wind capacity alone is set to more than double by 2030. However, the intermittency associated with these systems presents a challenge to their effective implementation. This is estimated to lead to the curtailment of up to 7.72 TWh by 2030. Through electrolysis, this surplus can be stored chemically in the form of hydrogen to contribute to the 15 TWh required by 2050. The low density of hydrogen constrains above ground utility-scale storage systems and thus leads to exploration of the subsurface.