Work

Assessing hydrogen storage potential in Zechstein salt caverns of the Norwegian North Sea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in salt caverns offers a viable solution for balancing intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This study evaluates UHS potential in the southern Norwegian North Sea, focusing on Upper Permian Zechstein salt structures. Using well log and seismic data, we characterize the salt structures and identify those suitable for cavern development. Through a GIS-based analysis and the GeoH 2 tool, we estimate storage capacity across low, base, and high scenarios. In the base case, ∼8700 caverns across 143 salt domes could store ∼11,164 Bscf of hydrogen, equating to ∼900 TWh of energy. After accounting for 22 % non-halite content estimated from well logs, this is reduced to 699 TWh—about three times Norway's annual energy consumption. The alignment of UHS in salt caverns with ongoing and planned CO 2 storage and wind energy projects, could transform the Norwegian Continental Shelf into a hub for low-carbon energy, supporting Europe's transition to a sustainable energy system.

Source: Journal of Energy Storage

DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2025.117032

Authors: Daniele Blancone, Leopoldo Matias Ruiz Maraggi, Nestor Cardozo, Lorena Moscardelli, Alejandro Escalona

Institutions: University of Stavanger, Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin

Language: English

Topic: Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560