Hydrogen could be a low-carbon alternative energy to natural gas, however suitable large-scale storage may be required to help overcome the intermittency and seasonal variations in renewable generation. The geological storage of hydrogen involves the injection of gas into the subsurface. Salt formations are favourable for storage because salt is inert with respect to hydrogen and is virtually impermeable. Saline aquifers may also be potential storage reservoirs.

The identification of suitable storage sites requires an understanding of the subsurface geology and the potential for structural disturbances and pathways for leakage, as well as an analysis of potential shallow hazards associated with subsurface operations

Newcastle University has expertise is the interpretation of subsurface data and geomechanics which are vital to understanding such storage solutions.