Why the UK needs to get serious about green hydrogen storage

Green hydrogen continues to be touted as a game-changer for the UK’s bid to hit net zero emissions. A versatile, low-carbon fuel that could help decarbonise industries that aren’t easily electrified, such as steel production, chemical manufacturing, and long-haul transport, hydrogen is proving its value. But there’s a crucial piece of the puzzle that still needs more attention – storage.

A recent Royal Society report, Towards a green hydrogen roadmap for the UK, put together by leading engineers, scientists, and policymakers, highlights the urgent need for a clear strategy on hydrogen storage. It’s not enough to just produce green hydrogen, we need to figure out how to store it safely, transport it efficiently, and integrate it into our energy system. Without a proper plan for storage, all the green hydrogen in the world won’t get us to where we need to be.

A problem is that hydrogen is tricky to store. It’s light, flammable, and needs to be kept at extremely low temperatures or high pressures, making it not just a technical challenge, but a strategic one. Storage is central to any hope of a successful and profitable hydrogen economy.

As Nigel Brandon, chair of the steering group behind the report, puts it, “engineering a greener future and a successful hydrogen economy cannot be done in isolation.” Without the right storage infrastructure, the UK’s hydrogen plans could stall before they even get going.

A roadmap to a hydrogen economy

So, what’s the answer? According to the experts, it’s all about having a clear, government-backed roadmap that doesn’t just focus on production but also prioritises storage and transport. The Royal Society report calls for the creation of hydrogen investment zones – specific areas where hydrogen infrastructure can be developed. These zones would form the backbone of the UK’s hydrogen economy, ensuring that green hydrogen is stored and available when and where it’s needed.

The roadmap also stresses the importance of coordination between local and national governments. It’s not just about building storage tanks and pipelines, it’s also about making sure hydrogen storage is integrated into the UK’s broader energy strategy. For example, blending hydrogen into the natural gas grid offers a transitional solution but would require significant upgrades to the existing infrastructure to prevent issues like leaks and material degradation. Without careful planning and investment, these technical challenges could become major stumbling blocks.

“The UK must now create a vision for where it sees itself in the global hydrogen economy”

Nigel Brandon

Building the necessary hydrogen storage facilities won’t be cheap either, and it won’t happen overnight. But the report makes it clear that investment is essential, as storage is the key to scaling up hydrogen production and making it commercially viable. Without it, the UK risks falling behind in the global race to develop a hydrogen economy.

Hydrogen investment zones could help attract the capital needed to develop advanced storage technologies, from underground salt caverns to cutting-edge cryogenic tanks. These technologies are vital for storing hydrogen at the scale needed to support the UK’s energy needs. But beyond the technology, there’s a need for innovation in regulation and policy. The report calls for clear, standardised regulations for hydrogen storage, transport, and use. This would not only ensure safety but also build market confidence, helping the UK to lead in the global hydrogen economy.

The clock is ticking

A lot of countries are claiming to be leaders when it comes to hydrogen, but in reality there is still plenty of opportunity for establishing new markets. The UK has a real chance to position itself at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution, but it does need to move quickly. As other countries ramp up their hydrogen efforts (China, Japan, the US and Norway, among others), the UK must act fast to develop its storage infrastructure or risk being left behind. 

Brandon and his team aren’t just calling for action, they’re calling for a clear vision around storage and its role within the broader plan. As Brandon suggests, a comprehensive roadmap and the development of hydrogen investment zones will enable investment to be better allocated across regional and national infrastructure, boost research and development in key technologies, and address ongoing challenges, such as skills provision.

“There have been many first-mover opportunities for countries leading the development of hydrogen technologies and standards,” says Brandon. “The UK must now create a vision for where it sees itself in the global hydrogen economy and develop the policy environment needed for UK industry and innovation to flourish.”