Advancing hydrogen infrastructure: a review of storage and transportation solutions for a sustainable future

Abstract

Hydrogen is a key energy carrier for decarbonizing high-emission sectors, supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future. This review evaluates critical hydrogen storage and transportation technologies essential for a hydrogen-powered economy. Storage methods, including compressed gas (350–700 bar), cryogenic liquid (−253 °C), cryo-compressed (−233 °C, 250–350 bar), material-based approaches (e.g., metal hydrides, LOHCs), and underground storage (salt caverns, aquifers), are analyzed for their technical feasibility, energy efficiency, and scalability. Transportation methods, including pipelines (up to 6,000 km), truck/rail (200–700 bar), and maritime shipping (e.g., liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, and LOHCs), are evaluated, with an emphasis on infrastructure requirements and cost optimization. The study emphasizes advancements in integrating green hydrogen with renewable energy, addressing safety concerns (e.g., hydrogen embrittlement, ammonia toxicity, and leakage risks), and technical challenges (e.g., boil-off losses and material durability), to support global decarbonization objectives.