Innovative Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank Concept for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
Key Ideas
  • CB&I and consortium partners develop a non-vacuum liquid hydrogen storage tank concept for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, expanding storage capacity.
  • The 100,000 cubic metre tank will undergo a six-month evaluation using a small-scale demonstration tank to assess feasibility and potential improvements.
  • Project supported by US Department of Energy with $6m; Shell and CB&I each contribute an additional $3m to advance global hydrogen use and storage capabilities.
  • Storage of liquid hydrogen at scale using a non-vacuum design is considered a pivotal advancement by experts like Dr. Krishnamoorti from the University of Houston.
Global engineering firm CB&I, along with partners Shell, GenH2, and the University of Houston, have collaborated to develop a novel liquid hydrogen storage tank concept for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The project aims to enhance MSFC's liquid hydrogen storage capacity and facilitate research on material behavior in cryogenic conditions. The 100,000 cubic metre tank is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will test insulation systems without the need for a vacuum, simulating typical fill and empty cycles. A small-scale demonstration tank will undergo a six-month evaluation phase to assess the concept's feasibility and potential enhancements. The initiative, starting in 2021, is supported by the US Department of Energy with $6 million in funding, with additional contributions from Shell and CB&I. The project focuses on storing hydrogen at minus 253°C in liquid form, requiring high-performance insulation to minimize boil-off and maintain stable pressure. Dr. Ramanan Krishnamoorti praised the ability to store liquid hydrogen at scale using a non-vacuum design as a significant advancement. CB&I's history in hydrogen infrastructure, dating back to the 1960s, showcases their expertise in this domain, with recent projects like the 5,000 cubic metre tank at Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis program. The development of this innovative storage tank concept marks a crucial step in advancing the energy economy through cutting-edge solutions.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.