The Role of Gas Hydrates in Storing Natural Gas-Hydrogen Blends for Coupling Power-to-X and Decarbonization

Shanker Krishna, Bhavikkumar Mahant, María Dolores Robustillo, Hari Sreenivasan, Jyoti Shanker Pandey*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Power-to-X (PtX) will play a pivotal role in decarbonizing gas-based industries by enabling the conversion of renewable electricity into various forms of energy carriers such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels. By integrating gas hydrates as a storage medium, PtX can effectively link renewable energy sources with the gas-based industry, facilitating a smoother transition toward a low-carbon economy. Hydrogen (H2) storage is a pressing issue due to its low density and the high costs of compression and liquefaction. This study explores the potential of gas hydrate technology for large-scale H2 storage, particularly in blends with natural gas (H2–NG). The research delves into the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of H2–NG hydrates, demonstrating that gas hydrates could offer a viable alternative to traditional storage methods. Experimental and simulation studies indicate that the inclusion of gaseous promoters like methane (CH4) and propane (C3H8) can enhance the H2 storage capacity within hydrates. The study outlines the formation conditions and stability of various hydrate structures, emphasizing the role of promoters in facilitating H2 enclathration. Importantly, the study highlights the practical and feasible pathway for the energy transition by integrating H2 storage into the natural gas infrastructure. The economic analysis underscores the cost-effectiveness of hydrate-based storage compared to conventional methods, considering factors such as energy efficiency and capital expenditure. This study proposes a detailed process for forming, storing, and transporting H2–NG hydrate pellets, highlighting the potential for integrating this method into existing natural gas infrastructures. The findings suggest that, with further optimization, gas hydrate technology could play a crucial role in the H2 economy, offering an efficient and sustainable solution for H2 storage, thus supporting global efforts toward carbon neutrality and clean energy adoption.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEnergy & Fuels
Volume38
Issue number24
Pages (from-to)23192–23229
ISSN0887-0624
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Carbon neutrality
  • Clean energy
  • Hydrogen economy
  • Hydrogen storage
  • Hydrogen-natural gas hydrates
  • Gaseous promoters
  • Sustainable Development Goals

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