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Assertion: Hydrogen can be stored as a gas in above-ground storage tanks with acceptable, minimal hydrogen leakage

Storing hydrogen as a gas in above-ground storage tanks has an estimated leakage rate of 0.12% to 0.24% per day.1 Over thirty days, this would result in a total leakage of approximately 3.6% to 7.2%. The leakage rate is significantly influenced by storage pressure, as well as the quality and size of the storage tank.2 When transporting storage tanks full of hydrogen by truck, the leakage rate increases slightly, but still likely remains below 1% per trip.3 Project developers can minimize leakage during above-ground storage by investing in high-quality storage tanks and limiting the duration of above-ground storage.

For long-term storage, project developers should consider using underground salt caverns, which have incredibly low leakage rates. This method provides a more secure and efficient solution for extended hydrogen storage periods.

Sources:​

Footnotes​

  1. Frazer-Nash Consultancy. (2022). Fugitive hydrogen emissions in a future hydrogen economy. UK Government.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/624ec79cd3bf7f600d4055d1/fugitive-hydrogen-emissions-future-hydrogen-economy.pdf ↩

  2. Ibid. ↩

  3. Arrigoni, A. & Bravo Diaz, L. (2022). Hydrogen emissions from a hydrogen economy and their potential global warming impact, EUR 31188 EN, Publications Office of the European Union.https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC130362 ↩