Pioneering Hydrogen Storage Research in New Zealand
Key Ideas
- Research in New Zealand is exploring the injection, storage, and extraction of 10,000 tonnes of hydrogen underground in Taranaki.
- The study aims to predict potential challenges and solutions for hydrogen extraction, crucial for New Zealand's hydrogen future.
- Operational considerations like managing reservoir pressure and maintaining gas purity are highlighted, with a focus on nationwide application for hydrogen storage.
- The research emphasizes the importance of precise timing for injecting and retrieving hydrogen to optimize its value during surplus energy periods and peak demands.
A New Zealand research project led by PhD candidate Liu Jinjian at the University of Canterbury is pioneering the modeling of injecting, storing, and extracting 10,000 tonnes of hydrogen underground in Taranaki. The research, supervised by UC Associate Professor David Dempsey, focuses on simulating the complex processes of hydrogen storage to predict challenges and identify solutions for extraction. While storing natural gas underground is common, adapting this process for hydrogen presents unique complexities. The study emphasizes the need for managing reservoir pressure, minimizing hydrogen loss, and ensuring gas purity. It also addresses challenges such as contamination during extraction, where hydrogen can mix with residual natural gas or water. Despite these complexities, the research suggests that hydrogen storage at scale could play a crucial role in New Zealand's hydrogen future, acting as a buffer similar to water reservoirs. The ultimate goal is to develop a framework that can be applied nationwide to optimize storage efficiency and tackle transport challenges. Precise timing for injecting and retrieving hydrogen is highlighted as essential for capturing its full value during surplus energy periods and meeting peak demands, emphasizing the potential for green hydrogen in power generation and various chemical processes.