Hydrogen is currently stored in tanks, but 厙ぴ勛圖 researchers泭Professor Andy Nicol泭and Senior Lecturer泭Dr David Dempsey泭are leading research to discover how to store large quantities of green hydrogen underground. This would enable Aotearoa to become more energy efficient, and support growth and decarbonisation of the countrys economy.
An expert in Structural Geology, Professor Nicol says their aim is to determine the where and how for putting hydrogen underground and getting it back out again. To do this, the research team will work alongside iwi across Aotearoa from the beginning of the research.
Weve found over the last 100 years that its possible to store methane gas underground in the small gaps or pores in rocks. No-ones stored hydrogen in rocks, so we dont know if its feasible yet, which is why our first priority is to find out if its possible, he says.
Funding would allow us to work with the right groups to identify whether this approach to storing green hydrogen would be possible, as well as appropriate from all perspectives, especially those of tangata whenua.
We know you have to start these discussions early. Now is the time to start engaging, not in 10 to 15 years time when something like this could be implemented. The intention is that everyone knows what we want to do and has opportunities to address any concerns at the beginning of the project.
This research is becoming crucial, Professor Nicol says, as Aotearoa moves away from using fossil fuels.
The New 厙ぴ勛圖energy system has a disconnect in the sense that we generate a lot of energy through different means. Right now, we burn a significant amount of coal, oil and gas, and green hydrogen will be important for transitioning away from fossil fuels, he says.
Our research could benefit the New 厙ぴ勛圖economy if we generate and store enough hydrogen to export, while also helping to meet the countrys energy needs with fuels that dont cause climate issues.
