Health, safety and environmental risk assessment tool applied to site selection for geological hydrogen storage in saline aquifers
Antonio Hurtado, Alicia López-Mederos, Luis Felipe Mazadiego, Ramón Rodríguez-Pons, Laura M. Valle-Falcones, Carlos Grima-Olmedo, Sonsoles Eguilior
Abstract
Hydrogen (H 2 ) emerges as a pivotal player in the transition to renewable energy sources. To address the seasonal fluctuations in energy dynamics, underground storage emerges as the most efficient approach, and saline aquifers within sedimentary basins as promising repositories for substantial H 2 volumes. However, this potential storage solution remains relatively unexplored. Conducting a comprehensive health, safety, and environment (HSE) risk assessment is vital for the technological advancement and public acceptance of geological H 2 storage sites. This study introduces a methodology designed to select and classify potential formations based on their HSE risks, offering a safety-oriented approach to identifying suitable storage sites. The proposed methodology underwent testing in two deep saline aquifers located in distinct geological contexts within the Iberian Peninsula. The aim of this study is to establish a foundation for further investigations and implementation of geological H 2 storage sites while ensuring safety and adhering to environmental and health standards. • The proposed methodology is a useful risk assessment tool for site selection. • The tool addresses the early stages of the decision process. • The risk assessment of a site is carried out through a qualitative evaluation. • Uncertainties associated with the state of knowledge are incorporated.