Cements for Hydrogen Storage Remain Stable
As the share of renewable energy continues to grow, so does the need for energy storage systems capable of absorbing surplus electricity and balancing fluctuations in the power grid. Against this backdrop, underground hydrogen storage is gaining importance, as it can store large amounts of energy over long periods of time. A key prerequisite, however, is that both the storage facilities and the associated wells remain permanently sealed. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have therefore investigated, within the joint research project SAMUH2, whether hydrogen can impair wellbore cements in the subsurface.
Laboratory Experiments Under Realistic Conditions
Thermodynamic modeling had suggested that chemical reactions between hydrogen and cement might be possible. With their study, however, the researchers have now demonstrated that under the experimental conditions neither significant chemical changes nor any deterioration of mechanical or physical properties could be detected. “We were able to demonstrate that the wellbore cements used in practice remain stable under abiotic conditions and are fundamentally suitable for underground hydrogen storage,” says first author Sebastian Bruckschlögl from the Institute of Concrete Structures and Building Materials at KIT.
In their experiments, the researchers exposed conventional and polymer-modified cements to hydrogen under high pressure and elevated temperatures – conditions that realistically reflect those in underground storage facilities. The samples were then analyzed using a wide range of measurement techniques. “These findings represent another important step towards the future planning of underground hydrogen storage,” explains Dr. Chaojie Cheng from KIT’s Institute of Applied Geosciences.
ihe, February 17, 2026