Hydrogen storage potential provides new energy options

The Geological Survey of Victoria (GSV) has released a new report investigating the potential to store hydrogen in depleted gas fields near Port Campbell.

The Geological Survey of Victoria (GSV) has released a new report investigating the potential to store hydrogen in depleted gas fields near Port Campbell.

Currently natural gas is stored safely in a similar way in south-west Victoria to support consistent supply when demand is at its highest, such as on cold days when heating requirements are high.

As Victoria’s energy mix continues to transition, hydrogen offers potential as a clean, safe and reliable fuel source. Hydrogen storage in deep geological formations is one option to help secure a reliable supply.

Over the past five years, GSV has undertaken several regional geoscientific surveys to better understand the geology of the Port Campbell region.

The findings presented in the report indicate that some depleted gas fields are suitable, and have the capacity, for storage as the right rocks are present to contain any stored hydrogen.

The additional capacity to store hydrogen in the state could support producers to deliver hydrogen to market at the scale required to transform our energy use.

More information about the hydrogen storage potential of southwestern Victoria can be accessed through Earth Resources Publications.