journal article·2025-02-05Open access

Evaluating the Potential for Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in Lithuania: A Review of Geological Viability and Storage Integrity

Apoorv Verma, Shruti Malik, Mayur Pal

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 3

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review and identify H2 storage suitability in geological reservoirs of the Republic of Lithuania. Notably, Lithuania can store clean H2 effectively and competitively because of its wealth of resources and well-established infrastructure. The storage viability in Lithuanian geological contexts is highlighted in this study. In addition, when it comes to injectivity and storage capacity, salt caverns and saline aquifers present less of a challenge than other kinds of storage medium. Lithuania possesses sizable subterranean reservoirs (Cambrian rocks) that can be utilized to store H2. For preliminary assessment, the cyclic H2 injection, and production simulation is performed. A 10-year simulation of hydrogen injection and recovery in the Syderiai saline aquifer demonstrated the feasibility of UHS, though efficiency was reduced by nearly 50% when using a single well for both injection and production. The study suggests using separate wells to improve efficiency. However, to guarantee economic injectivity and containment security, a detailed assessment of the geological structures is required specifically at the pore scale level. The volumetric approach estimated a combined storage capacity of approximately 898.5 Gg H2 (~11 TWh) for the Syderiai and Vaskai saline aquifers, significantly exceeding previous estimates. The findings underscore the importance of detailed geological data and further research on hydrogen-specific factors to optimize UHS in Lithuania. Addressing technical, geological, and environmental challenges through multidisciplinary research is essential for advancing UHS implementation and supporting Lithuania’s transition to a sustainable energy system. UHS makes it possible to maximize the use of clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a more sustainable and resilient energy system. Hence, intensive research and advancements are needed to optimize H2 energy for broader applications in Lithuania.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: CO2 Sequestration and Geologic Interactions · Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena · Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Mathematical Modeling, Kaunas University of Technology, 51368 Kaunas, Lithuania

Funding

Lithuanian Research Council

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