Innovative Hydrogen Storage Project Planned in Historic Naval Base
Key Ideas
  • Vast salt caverns the size of St Paul's Cathedral will be excavated under Portland Harbour in Dorset to store hydrogen for emergency use.
  • The project, led by UK Oil and Gas, aims to bolster the UK's energy security by providing a reserve of hydrogen for times when renewable energy sources are insufficient.
  • The company plans to seek planning permission under the nationally significant infrastructure system to bypass potential local opposition.
  • The use of stable rock salt for storing hydrogen demonstrates the innovative approach to renewable energy storage and marks a shift towards cleaner energy initiatives.
A groundbreaking project is set to unfold in the United Kingdom, where vast salt caverns the size of St Paul's Cathedral will be excavated beneath Portland Harbour in Dorset to store hydrogen. The stored hydrogen will serve as an emergency reserve to fuel power stations during periods when renewable energy sources like wind and solar farms are unable to meet energy demands. The initiative has garnered support from Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho, who has adjusted government policies to enable taxpayer subsidies for the project. UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) is spearheading the scheme and plans to create caverns by injecting fresh water into the rock salt layer found two miles beneath the surface. Each cavern will be massive, with a capacity of 320,000 cubic meters, highlighting the project's scale and potential impact on energy storage capabilities. The innovative use of stable rock salt for hydrogen storage underscores the project's commitment to environmental sustainability and renewable energy. Despite UKOG's involvement in controversial oil and gas developments, the company is pivoting towards renewable energy, signaling a shift in focus towards cleaner energy solutions. The project's location in the historic naval base of Portland Harbour adds a unique dimension to the initiative, combining cutting-edge technology with the site's rich naval history.
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