A new underground “battery” is set to be built in a small town in central Utah, which will store hydrogen as a clean energy source. Developers are creating two caverns deep into a geological salt formation near Delta, Utah, which are expected to be completed next year. The caverns will have the capacity to store hydrogen gas produced nearby through a process called electrolysis, using excess solar and wind power. This stored hydrogen can then be burned at a power plant as a blend with natural gas during peak energy demand in the summer, without releasing planet-warming pollution.
The new facility in Utah will replace a coal plant, helping to clean up the air for local residents. The burning of coal contributes to various health issues such as respiratory illnesses, neurological damage, and lung disease. Investments in clean energy sources like hydrogen produced with renewable energy are crucial in reducing global planet-warming pollution. Coal, oil, and gas are major contributors to this pollution, accounting for over 75% of global planet-warming pollution and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, according to the United Nations.
Hydrogen production can create pollution if powered by coal or gas, but when solar or wind energy powers the electrolysis process, the fuel becomes “green hydrogen,” a clean storage resource. Green hydrogen as an alternative power source is gaining traction in the U.S., with a Texas factory planning to produce it using wind and solar energy. The Biden administration has also announced $7 billion in funding for hydrogen projects across the country to kickstart production. However, transitioning to 100% hydrogen in the next two decades would likely require significant infrastructure upgrades or rebuilding, according to Ilissa Ocko from the Environmental Defense Fund.
Despite the promising aspects of the Utah project, there are challenges ahead. Ocko mentioned that adjusting infrastructure for 100% hydrogen production could be costly and complicated, potentially not benefiting the climate in the long run. However, Jigar Shah from the Department of Energy’s loan program office sees the Utah plant as a massive amount of storage that can complement other renewable energy projects in the West. The plant, along with other projects, can produce surplus electricity in the spring and fall, providing a solution for handling excess supply.
In conclusion, the new underground hydrogen storage facility in Utah represents a step towards using clean energy sources to combat global warming and air pollution. By utilizing renewable energy for hydrogen production, the facility aims to reduce planet-warming pollution and provide a cleaner alternative to coal-fired power plants. While challenges remain in transitioning to 100% hydrogen production, investments in projects like these are essential for a more sustainable future. The development of green hydrogen as a clean storage resource shows promise in advancing renewable energy technologies and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
