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Project Code [EPSPD/2021/84]
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Project title
Assessment of the potential for underground hydrogen storage in Ireland
Primary Funding Agency
Irish Research Council
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Cork (UCC)
Project Abstract
The integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, is developing at pace throughout the globe to meet the climate protection international agreements. However, the fluctuation of such renewable energies requires a bulk energy storage system to store the excess energy as a buffer and to fulfil the demand constantly. Underground hydrogen storage(UHS) appears as an economically promising solution to balance this energy gap.
However, feasible and cost-effective caverns storage are still challenging due to the restricted geographical locations and small capacity. Currently, a few countries have been investigating the potential for UHS, yet no systematic review has been conducted in Ireland. In addition, the stability and safety of UHS caverns are another top concern during the long-term operation.
This proposed research aims to investigate the potential of UHS in Irish basins and the stability of potential cavern during the operation with particular emphasis on salt rocks. The geotechnical feasibility of UHS in Irish basins will be evaluated by extensive data gathering, from a variety of public and private sources, which will be compiled to geographic information system(GIS) to provide a preliminary geological assessment of potential storage basin of Ireland. In parallel, 3D geomechanical numerical simulations will be conducted to investigate the stability and safety of the UHS potential reservoirs in representative bedded salt rocks. As a further study, sensitivity analysis will be performed to quantify the influence of various factors (e.g., tightness of interlayers) on the stability and provide vital guidance for design and construction of UHS.
Research Hub
Climate related research
Research Theme
Achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/08/2023