Evaluation of site selection for zero carbon salt cavern hydrogen storage based on Fermatean fuzzy set and Regret Theory - TODIM

To achieve global energy transformation and net zero carbon emissions, hydrogen energy with abundant green and clean sources has gradually become the research focus. Renewable energy electrolytic water hydrogen production and salt cavern hydrogen storage (SCHS), combined with the “production-storage” integration model of zero carbon emissions throughout the whole process, has undoubtedly become the focus of the energy field. At present, this area of research is in its infancy, and choosing the right SCHS site is crucial to avoid unnecessary losses. However, the existing site selection models (such as AHP and TOPSIS) have limitations when dealing with the fuzzy evaluation information and psychological factors of decision-makers in such complex multi-criteria problems. Based on this, a multi-criteria decision-making method is proposed from five dimensions: geology, economy, society, environment, and risk, considering the fuzziness and uncertainty of evaluation information and the psychological state of decision-makers. Through sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis, the reliability and applicability of the siting model are verified, and 8 salt deposits in eastern China are evaluated. The results showed that (Jintan Salt Deposit) was the best location with a score of 0.2592, while (Zhoutian Salt Deposit) was the least suitable for SCHS with a score of −0.3499. This provides a scientific theoretical basis for the site selection of SCHS.