Assessing hydrogen storage potential in Zechstein salt caverns of the Norwegian North Sea

Abstract

Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in salt caverns offers a viable solution for balancing intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This study evaluates UHS potential in the southern Norwegian North Sea, focusing on Upper Permian Zechstein salt structures. Using well log and seismic data, we characterize the salt structures and identify those suitable for cavern development. Through a GIS-based analysis and the GeoH₂ tool, we estimate storage capacity across low, base, and high scenarios. In the base case, ∼8700 caverns across 143 salt domes could store ∼11,164 Bscf of hydrogen, equating to ∼900 TWh of energy. After accounting for 22 % non-halite content estimated from well logs, this is reduced to 699 TWh—about three times Norway's annual energy consumption. The alignment of UHS in salt caverns with ongoing and planned CO₂ storage and wind energy projects, could transform the Norwegian Continental Shelf into a hub for low-carbon energy, supporting Europe's transition to a sustainable energy system.