Although gas storage is commercially undertaken in engineered caverns in halite, this is only possible in certain areas of the UK where there are suitable beds of halite (Cheshire, Teesside, Lancashire). For other areas of the UK, alternative storage options in porous/ fractured bedrock need to be identified. However, there is an urgent need to understand the behaviour of these rocks when acting as storage volumes for hydrogen, and the impacts of pumping and multiple storage cycles on the effectiveness and efficiency of this important future energy need.  This project uses a bespoke laboratory set-up to understand the behaviour of sandstone and cement in hydrogen-rich environments, at elevated temperatures and pressures (50 degrees C and 150 bar). Cutting-edge detailed micro-computerised tomography (micro-CT) imaging of rock samples is being undertaken by the University of Manchester. These will provide the industry with clear and reliable information for potential host rocks for hydrogen storage. In addition, by combining this information with geological datasets, our project will provide the industry with maps showing where the storage of hydrogen in the sub-surface may be viable.

• Transition to use hydrogen as an energy source
• Many scenarios recognise increased use of hydrogen will need large-scale storage of hydrogen
• Geological storage options are not distributed evenly across the UK- what options are there?
• Assess impact of hydrogen on porous rocks with a variety of characterisation techniques
• Map out areas where hydrogen could be stored in porous rocks