A first-order estimation of underground hydrogen storage potential in Indian sedimentary basins

Abstract

Hydrogen is considered as a fuel of the future, primarily owing to its advantage of zero carbon emissions during its combustion and electricity generation. India’s geographical location in the tropics and the coun-try’s government policies, which favour hydrogen, render it a potential pioneer as a hydrogen economy. Therefore, identifying suitable storage mechanisms for hydrogen in the country is crucial. In this study, we have reviewed different methodologies to estimate the potential for underground hydrogen storage in depleted hydrocarbon fields and saline aquifers. Based on our analysis, we have then estimated a first-order storage potential for underground hydrogen storage in India after applying suitable constraints. We conclude that India can store up to 22 610 terrawatt-hours (TWh) of hydrogen in deep saline aquifers. We found that the major Indian sedimentary basins, such as the Mumbai offshore, Krishna–Godavari, Rajasthan, Cauvery and Cambay basins, have high storage capacities for hydrogen on the order of 2163, 1788.8, 1211.5, 1666.6 and 342.9 TWh, respectively. We have also presented an overview of the storage potential of salt structures that are present in India. In addition to storage pathways, we have also delineated the sources that can be used in electrolysis to generate hydrogen.