Durham Energy Institute Patents Breakthrough Salt Cavern Hydrogen Storage Technology

Researchers at the Durham Energy Institute (DEI) have secured a UK and European patent for an eco-friendly biopolymer sealant that prevents gas leakage in underground salt cavern hydrogen storage facilities.

The technology enables renewable energy operators to store hundreds of gigawatt-hours of surplus offshore wind energy generated in the North Sea during summer for clean electricity generation during winter peak demand.

The project is partnering with North East industrial decarbonization clusters to build a commercial testing facility by 2027.