In order for hydrogen to be used as an energy carrier on a large scale, it must be stored and transported efficiently – whether from the production site to industrial plants, to filling stations or to the energy infrastructure. Various technologies are used for this, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we present the most important methods: Pressurized tanks, liquid hydrogen, LOHC and pipelines.
Pressure tanks – compact and flexible
One of the most widely used forms of storage is compressed gas storage. Hydrogen is stored in specially reinforced containers at high pressure – usually at 350 to 700 bar.
Advantages:
- Technologically proven and safe
- Quickly available (e.g. for mobile applications such as fuel cell vehicles)
- Modular use, also for decentralized supply
Areas of application: Hydrogen filling stations, mobile applications, transportation by truck
Challenge: The energy required for compression is relatively high, the volume remains larger than with liquid hydrogen despite compression.
Liquid hydrogen – high energy density through liquefaction
Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) is produced by cooling hydrogen to -253 °C, whereby the gas changes to a liquid state. This method enables particularly compact storage with a high energy density.
Advantages:
- High energy density
- Ideal for long-distance transportation and applications with high energy requirements (e.g. aviation, space travel)
Areas of application: Large filling stations, aviation, shipping, intercontinental transportation
Challenge: The extremely low temperature requires complex insulation and causes high energy losses during liquefaction.
LOHC – Liquid hydrogen carriers for safe storage
LOHC stands for Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers – liquid organic carrier substances that can chemically bind hydrogen. The hydrogen is incorporated into the carrier material (hydrogenation) and released again if required (dehydrogenation).
Advantages:
- Storage and transportation at ambient pressure and temperature
- Use of existing infrastructure (e.g. tank trucks, tank farms)
- Low risk of explosion
Areas of application: Long-distance transportation, stationary energy storage, import solutions
Challenge: Releasing the hydrogen requires additional energy and special equipment.
Hydrogen pipelines – infrastructure for the future
Hydrogen pipelines are ideal for large-scale transportation over longer distances – either newly built or by converting existing natural gas pipelines.
Advantages:
- Continuous supply to large customers (industry, chemicals, energy)
- High transport capacity
- Low ongoing operating costs
Areas of application: Industrial sites, hydrogen networks, cross-border transportation
Challenge: Establishing a suitable infrastructure, material requirements due to hydrogen embrittlement
Conclusion
The storage and transportation of hydrogen are crucial for a functioning hydrogen economy. Depending on the application, different technologies are used – from flexible pressure tanks and compact liquid hydrogen systems to large-volume pipelines and safe LOHC solutions.
