Salt Cavern Hydrogen Storage Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Advances, Trends, Perspectives, and Its Impact in the Hydrogen Economy

Abstract

Hydrogen is projected to become a crucial clean energy source for balancing energy supply and demand while mitigating global warming. The effectiveness of the global hydrogen economy hinges on scalable and cost-effective storage, with salt cavern hydrogen storage (SCHS) emerging as a leading option due to its high capacity and stability. This study reviews existing literature, highlighting advancements in geomechanical simulation and operational optimization, including pressure cycling and cavern geometry optimization. Key findings indicate deeper caverns yield higher minimum pressures, optimized geometries reduce deformation, and specific step distances balance storage volume and integrity. Simulation programs like FLAC3D show optimized performance, while integration with renewable energy sources boosts efficiency and decarbonization. The review of literature shows that SCHS demonstrates financial viability with levelized costs between $0.8/kg and $10/kg, offering competitive advantages over other storage methods. However, global research participation is uneven, predominantly led by China, Germany, and the UK, and reliant on bilateral collaborations. Future studies should, therefore, focus on integrating microscale geomechanics with macro planning, standardizing simulation practices, and enhancing international research cooperation. © 2025 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC