Long-term cost projections for hydrogen storage depend on the storage technology, scale, duration of storage, and geographic and infrastructure factors. The main hydrogen storage methods considered are pressurized gas storage, cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage, cryo-compressed storage, and large-scale geological storage such as salt caverns. Here is a detailed summary based on recent analyses and projections:
Cost Projections by Hydrogen Storage Type
| Storage Type | Estimated Cost Range (2016$/kg H2) | Key Characteristics & Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) 350 bar | $159 – $238 | Moderate capital cost; relatively low refueling cost (~$6/kg); suitable for large-scale and medium-duration storage. |
| Type 3 Composite Cylinder 350 bar | $400 – $487 | Higher capital cost, typically used for smaller-scale pressurized storage; refueling cost around $6/kg. |
| Type 4 Composite Cylinder 700 bar | $417 – $506 | Similar to Type 3 but for higher pressure; more expensive refueling (~$8-$10/kg). |
| Type 4 Composite Cylinder 500 bar | $509 – $633 | Highest capital and operational costs among compressed gas options; refueling cost ~$8-$10/kg. |
| Cryo-Compressed Hydrogen | $268 – $347 | Combines aspects of liquid and compressed storage; refueling cost very low (~$1/kg), making it competitive for fuel applications. |
| Salt Cavern Storage | Very low per kg cost in long-term | Cheapest option for large, long-duration storage if geological conditions are favorable; costs flatten out over extended storage times; better for seasonal storage. |
Cost Variation with Storage Duration
- Storage cost per kilogram tends to increase with longer hold times for pressurized options, but large geological storage options like salt caverns become cheaper over multi-day to seasonal storage periods.
- For daily or short-term storage, liquid hydrogen and pressurized storage may have comparable costs, but as storage duration increases, cavern storage costs typically become the most economical.
Future Cost Trends
- Electrolyzer cost reductions are expected to drive down the overall green hydrogen production cost by 2030 and beyond, which indirectly affects the cost competitiveness of hydrogen storage, as storage is part of the value chain.
- Storage technology capital costs are expected to improve with scale and technological advances, but estimates vary widely depending on assumptions about deployment scale and technology performance.
- For example, the US Department of Energy estimates refueling costs for hydrogen storage systems around $1–$10 per kg depending on storage type and pressure, with anticipated declines as technology matures and scales.
Summary
- Long-term hydrogen storage cost projections vary significantly by technology and use case.
- Pressurized composite cylinders (Types 3 and 4) have higher capital and operational costs, especially at very high pressures.
- Liquid and cryo-compressed hydrogen storage offer moderate costs and are competitive for short to medium-term storage needs.
- Large-scale geological storage (salt caverns) offers the lowest cost per kilogram stored for longer durations but requires suitable local geology.
- Over the next decades, all storage costs are expected to decline with technology improvements and economies of scale, with green hydrogen production costs from electrolysis also falling, improving the overall cost-effectiveness of stored hydrogen energy systems.
This comprehensive outlook shows that while short-term storage may rely on compressed and liquid hydrogen methods with moderate costs, long-term and seasonal hydrogen storage is likely to be dominated by low-cost geological storage solutions where available.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-long-term-cost-projections-for-hydrogen-storage/
