Risk Assessment and Study of Operational Safety for the Repurposing of Existing Salt Caverns into Underground Hydrogen Storage (Humber and Teesside Region)

Given the cost involved and the vast experience gained from the existing gas storage caverns in the area, it is important to repurpose them for hydrogen storage in a safe manner. This process requires the adaptation of existing infrastructure and systems, including the wellhead, tubing and casings, and subsurface equipment, as well as an examination of the compatibility of H2 with geological salt deposits. Thus, it is imperative to assess the risk associated with the system’s adaptation to ensure the integrity of the cavern and to develop the associated balance of plant.
This project will be divided into three pillars, including risk assessment of the surface facilities, well-string and underground salt caverns. This assessment covers all repurposing activities from the H2 production point at the Methane Steam Reforming (MSR) plant to the injection of H2 into and its extraction from the salt caverns.