Journal Home Online First Current Issue Archive For Authors Journal Information 中文版

Engineering >> 2023, Volume 25, Issue 6 doi: 10.1016/j.eng.2022.06.021

Theoretical and Technological Challenges of Deep Underground Energy Storage in China

a State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
b Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China

Received: 2021-11-23 Revised: 2022-05-22 Accepted: 2022-06-17 Available online: 2022-08-30

Next Previous

Abstract

Deep underground energy storage is the use of deep underground spaces for large-scale energy storage, which is an important way to provide a stable supply of clean energy, enable a strategic petroleum reserve, and promote the peak shaving of natural gas. Rock salt formations are ideal geological media for large-scale energy storage, and China is rich in salt rock resources and has a major shortage of energy storage space. Compared with the salt domes in other countries, the salt rock formations in China are typical lacustrine bedded salt rocks characterized by thin beds, high impurity content, and many interlayers. The development of large-scale energy storage in such salt formations presents scientific and technical challenges, including: ① developing a multiscale progressive failure and characterization method for the rock mass around an energy storage cavern, considering the effects of multifield and multiphase coupling; ② understanding the leakage evolution of large-scale deep underground energy storage caverns; ③ understanding the long-term performance evolution of large-scale deep underground energy storage caverns; ④ developing intelligent construction technologies for the deep underground salt caverns used for energy storage; and ⑤ ensuring the long-term function of deep underground energy storage spaces. The solution to these key scientific and technological problems lies in establishing a theoretical and technical foundation for the development of large-scale deep underground energy storage in China.

Figures

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

Fig. 13

References

[ 1 ] China Xinhua News Network Corporation. [President of Xi Jinping attended and delivered an important speech at the opening ceremony of the Paris Climate Change Conference] [Internet]. Beijing: China Xinhua News Network Corporation; 2015 Dec 1 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://www.xinhuanet.com//world/2015-12/01/c_1117309626.htm. Chinese. link1

[ 2 ] NetworkPeoples. [Unswervingly advancing the Energy Revolution in depth—thoroughly studying and implementing Xi Jinping’s important discussion on the energy revolution] [Internet]. Beijing: Peoples Network; 2017 Jun 13 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://opinion.people.com.cn/n1/2017/0613/c1003-29334715.html. Chinese. link1

[ 3 ] China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute. China renewable energy development report 2019. Beijing: China Water Power Press; 2020.

[ 4 ] Yang C, Wang T, Li Y, Yang H, Li J, Qu D, et al. Feasibility analysis of using abandoned salt caverns for large-scale underground energy storage in China. Appl Energy 2015;137:467‒81. link1

[ 5 ] Bayazıt Y, Bakis R, Koc C. A study on transformation of multi-purpose dams into pumped storage hydroelectric power plants by using GIS model. Int J Green Energy 2021;18(3):308‒18. link1

[ 6 ] Wang T, Yang C, Wang H, Ding S, Daemen JJK. Debrining prediction of a salt cavern used for compressed air energy storage. Energy 2018;147:464‒76. link1

[ 7 ] Kim H, Rutqvist J, Ryu D, Choi B, Sunwoo C, Song W. Exploring the concept of compressed air energy storage (CAES) in lined rock caverns at shallow depth: a modeling study of air tightness and energy balance. Appl Energy 2012;92:653‒67. link1

[ 8 ] [Construction of maximum liquid flow battery by using underground salt cavern] [Internet]. Beijing: China Finance Network; 2017 Nov 27 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://finance.china.com.cn/roll/20171127/4449737.shtml. Chinese. link1

[ 9 ] Zhao Q, Zheng J. Overview of hydrogen development policies of major global countries in 2019. Global Sci Tech Econ Outlook 2020;35(4):11‒20. Chinese.

[10] International Petroleum Economics. [Focus on the hydrogen economy] [Internet]. Beijing: Sohu; 2017 Oct 30 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: https://m.sohu.com/a/201234297_611338. Chinese. link1

[11] Matsuo Y, Endo S, Nagatomi Y, Shibata Y, Komiyama R, Fujii Y. A quantitative analysis of Japan’s optimal power generation mix in 2050 and the role of CO2-free hydrogen. Energy 2018;165(B):1200‒19. link1

[12] OFweek hydrogen energy. [The Japanese government announces the schedule of hydrogen energy promotion and application to promote hydrogen energy utilization in Japan] [Internet]. Beijing: nengyuanjie; 2019 Mar 14 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://www.nengyuanjie.net/article/24714.html. Chinese. link1

[13] Sohu. [Hydrogen energy included in government Work Report of China for the first time] [Internet]. Beijing: Sohu; 2019 Mar 18 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: https://www.sohu.com/a/302100209_120046996. Chinese. link1

[14] White paper on hydrogen and fuel cell industry in China. Beijing: People’s Daily Publishing House; 2019.

[15] Crotogino F, Huebner S. Energy storage in salt caverns/developments and concrete projects for adiabatic compressed air and for hydrogen storage. In: Proceedings of SMRI Spring 2008 Technical Conference; 2008 Apr 28‒29; Porto, Portugal; 2008.

[16] Li B. European Union strategic petroleum reserve model. SINOPEC Mon 2007;9:48‒50. Chinese.

[17] Zhang W. United States: increase oil reserve capacity [Internet]. Beijing: Economic Daily; 2012 Mar 31 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://paper.ce.cn/jjrb/html/2012-03/31/content_201041.htm. Chinese. link1

[18] Song G. The explosion accident of Huang Dao tank farm and its lessons. Petrol Refin Technol 1991;2:48‒54. Chinese.

[19] PhoenixNet. [The quake sparked a fire at an oil tank storage facility in Ichihara, Chiba prefecture] [Internet]. Hong Kong: PhoenixNet; 2011 Mar 11 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://news.ifeng.com/c/7fZQpYOw3VP. Chinese. link1

[20] [Saudi Aramco was attacked, cruise missiles hit oil storage tanks and fireballs of black smoke billowed out] [Internet]. Beijing: Sina; 2020 Nov 25 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://k.sina.com.cn/article_6435187353_17f912a9900100sd3w.html. Chinese. link1

[21] [‘‘Gasification Of China” boosts industrial development, and the trillion-level market of natural gas industry is being opened] [Internet]. Beijing: Sohu; 2018 Jan 19 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: https://www.sohu.com/a/217720565_733755. Chinese. link1

[22] [NDRC: China’s apparent natural gas consumption in 2019 was 306.7 billion m3 with an increase of 9.4%] [Internet]. Shanghai: HuitongFinanceNet; 2020 Jan 21 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: https://news.fx678.com/202001211712312281.shtml. Chinese. link1

[23] Ma H. Russia and central Asian exporting gas to China has caused both joy and concern. SINOPEC Mon 2020;1:76‒9. Chinese.

[24] Ding G. Demand and challenges for underground gas storages in China. Nat Gas Ind 2011;31(12):90‒3. Chinese.

[25] Qiu B, Wang J, Li C. The countermeasures on guaranteeing the sustainable supply of nature gas in China. Urban Dev Stud 2018;25(7):1‒6. Chinese.

[26] [Issuance of the Guidelines on Energy Work in 2018 [Internet]. Beijing: National Energy Administration of China; 2018 Feb 26] [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://zfxxgk.nea.gov.cn/auto82/201803/t20180307_3125.htm. Chinese. link1

[27] National Development and Reform Commission of China. [Opinions on accelerating the construction of natural gas storage capacity] [Internet]. Beijing: Sina; 2020 Apr 14 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: http://finance.sina.com.cn/wm/2020-04-14/doc-iircuyvh7651860.shtml. Chinese. link1

[28] Yang C, Li Y, Chen F. Bedded salt rock mechanics and engineering. Beijing: Science Press; 2009. Chinese.

[29] Yang C, Zhou H, Li Y. Failure mechanism and protection of salt caverns for large-scale underground energy storage. Beijing: Science Press; 2014. Chinese.

[30] Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. SPR storage sites [Internet]. Washington, DC: US Department of Energy; 2019 Dec 31 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: https://www.energy.gov/fecm/strategic-petroleum-reserve-4. link1

[31] Wang N. [Petroleum reserves and the characteristics of petroleum reserves of major countries in the world] [Internet]. Beijing: Zhihu; 2019 Dec 21 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/98492240. Chinese. link1

[32] [National petroleum reserve] [Internet]. Beijing: Baidu; c2021 [cited 2021 Jan 15]. Available from: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%9B%BD%E5%AE%B6%E7%9F%B3%E6%B2%B9%E5%82%A8%E5%A4%87/12719361?fr=aladdin. Chinese. link1

[33] Underground gas storage in the world—2019 status. Report. Rueil Malmaison: CEDIGAZ; 2019.

[34] Albawab M, Ghenai C, Bettayeb M, Janajreh I. Sustainability performance index for ranking energy storage technologies using multi-criteria decision-making model and hybrid computational method. J Energy Storage 2020;32:101820. link1

[35] Diezmartínez CV. Clean energy transition in Mexico: policy recommendations for the deployment of energy storage technologies. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2021;135:110407. link1

[36] Jafarizadeh H, Soltani M, Nathwani J. Assessment of the Huntorf compressed air energy storage plant performance under enhanced modifications. Energy Convers Manag 2020;209:112662. link1

[37] Jiangsu Provincial Regulatory Office of the National Energy Administration. [Jiangsu Jintan salt cavern compressed air energy storage power generation national demonstration project is expected to be connected to the grid in 2021] [Internet]. Beijing: Polaris Energy Storage Network; 2020 Jul 13 [cited 2021 Jan 18]. Available from: http://chuneng.bjx.com.cn/news/20200713/1088400.shtml. Chinese. link1

[38] Tarkowski R. Underground hydrogen storage: characteristics and prospects. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2019;105:86‒94. link1

[39] Fu P, Luo S, Xia Y, Li G, Ban F. Research on status and difficulties of hydrogen underground storage technology. China Well Rock Salt 2020;51(6):19‒23. Chinese.

[40] Pinto JSR, Bachaud P, Fargetton T, Ferrando N, Jeannin L, Louvet F. Modeling phase equilibrium of hydrogen and natural gas in brines: application to storage in salt caverns. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2021;46(5):4229‒40. link1

[41] Caglayan DG, Weber N, Heinrichs HU, Linßen J, Robinius M, Kukla PA, et al. Technical potential of salt caverns for hydrogen storage in Europe. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2020;45(11):6793‒805. link1

[42] Thaller LH, Zimmerman AH, To GA. Flooded utilization and electrochemical voltage spectroscopy studies on nickel electrodes. J Power Sources 2003;122(1):85‒94. link1

[43] Han H, Mei S, Wang G, Chen L, Han Y, Zhu C, et al. Salt cavern battery energy storage technology and development prospects. J Glob Energy Interconnect 2018;1(3):313‒21. Chinese.

[44] Wang T, Yang C, Ma H, Daemen JJK, Wu H. Safety evaluation of gas storage caverns located close to a tectonic fault. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2015;23:281‒93. link1

[45] Wang J, Liu X, Song Z, Shao Z. An improved Maxwell creep model for salt rock. Geomech Eng 2015;9(4):499‒511. link1

[46] Meng T, Hu Y, Fang R, Fu Q, Yu W. Weakening mechanisms of gypsum interlayers from Yunying salt cavern subjected to a coupled thermo-hydro-chemical environment. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2016;30:77‒89. link1

[47] Kang Y, Chen J, Jiang D, Liu W, Fan J. Summary on damage self-healing property of rock salt. Rock Soil Mech 2019;40(1):55‒69. Chinese.

[48] Park B, Ehgartner BL, Herrick C. Numerical expansion analyses of the strategic petroleum reserve in Bayou Choctaw Salt Dome, USA. Report. Albuquerque: Sandia National Laboratories; 2009 Feb. Report No.SAND2009-0951C. link1

[49] Ehgartner BL, Sobolik SR. Analysis of cavern stability at the Bryan Mound SPR site. Report. Albuquerque: Sandia National Laboratories; 2009 Apr. Report No.SAND2009-1986. link1

[50] Ban F, Yuan G, Wan J, Peng T. The optimum interwell distance analysis of two-well-horizontal salt cavern construction. Energy Sources 2021;43(23):3082‒100. link1

[51] Liu W, Chen J, Jiang D, Shi X, Li Y, Daemen JJK, et al. Tightness and suitability evaluation of abandoned salt caverns served as hydrocarbon energies storage under adverse geological conditions (AGC). Appl Energy 2016;178:703‒20. link1

[52] Zhang N. Research on surrounding rock permeability and mechanical properties of crude oil storage caverns in bedded rock salt and the cavern safety evaluation [dissertation]. Chongqing: Chongqing University; 2019. Chinese.

[53] Zhang N, Yang C, Shi X, Wang T, Yin H, Daemen JJK. Analysis of mechanical and permeability properties of mudstone interlayers around a strategic petroleum reserve cavern in bedded rock salt. Int J Rock Mech Min 2018;112:1‒10. link1

[54] Ma H. Study on feasibility of rock salt underground gas storage in ultra-deep formation [dissertation]. Wuhan: Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; 2010. Chinese.

[55] Wang T, Yang C, Ma H, Li Y, Shi X, Li J, et al. Safety evaluation of salt cavern gas storage close to an old cavern. Int J Rock Mech Min 2016;83:95‒106. link1

[56] Lyu C, Liu J, Ren Y, Liang C, Zeng Y. Mechanical characteristics and permeability evolution of salt rock under thermal‒hydro‒mechanical (THM) coupling condition. Eng Geol 2022;302:106633. link1

[57] Bérest P. Subsidence, sinkholes and craters above salt caverns. In: MeetingSMRISpring, 2008 Apr 28‒29; Porto, Portugal; 2008.

[58] Jiang D, Zhang J, Chen J, Ren S, Yang C. Research on softening law of insoluble interlayer during salt cavern building. Chinese J Rock Mech Eng 2014;33(5):865‒73. Chinese.

[59] Shi X, Li Y, Yang C, Qu D, Yang H, Ma H. Collapse control technology for interbeds in solution mining for oil/gas storage in multi-interbedded salt formation. Chinese J Geot Eng 2011;33(12):1957‒63. Chinese.

[60] Meng T, Hu Y, Fang R, Kok J, Fu Q, Feng G. Study of fracture toughness and weakening mechanisms in gypsum interlayers in corrosive environments. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2015;26:356‒66. link1

[61] Bérest P, Réveillere A, Evans D, Stower M. Review and analysis of historical leakages from storage salt caverns wells. Oil Gas Sci Technol 2019;74:27. link1

[62] Wang T, Yang C, Yan X, Ma H, Shi X, Daemen J. Equivalent permeability model for sealing evaluation of natural gas storage cavern in bedded rock salt. Curr Sci 2015;108(4):723‒9.

[63] Yuan G, Tian Z, Yuan J, Wang P, Ma Y. Influence factors of sealing property of salt cavern gas storage. Nat Gas Indus 2008;28(4):105‒7. Chinese.

[64] Liu W, Muhammad N, Chen J, Spiers CJ, Peach CJ, Jiang D. Investigation on the permeability characteristics of bedded salt rocks and the tightness of natural gas caverns in such formations. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2016;35(A):468‒82. link1

[65] Xiong J, Huang X, Ma H. Gas leakage mechanism in bedded salt rock storage cavern considering damaged interface. Petro 2015;1(4):366‒72. link1

[66] Hou Z. Mechanical and hydraulic behavior of rock salt in the excavation disturbed zone around underground facilities. Int J Rock Mech Min 2003;40(5):725‒38. link1

[67] Chen W, Tan X, Wu G. Research on gas seepage law in laminated salt rock gas storage. Chinese J Rock Mech Eng 2009;28(7):1297‒304. Chinese.

[68] Wang T, Yang C, Li J, Li J, Shi X, Ma H. Failure analysis of overhanging blocks in the walls of a gas storage salt cavern: a case study. Rock Mech Rock Eng 2017;50(1):125‒37. link1

[69] Wang T, Yang C, Chen J, Daemen JJK. Geomechanical investigation of roof failure of China’s first gas storage salt cavern. Eng Geol 2018;243:59‒69. link1

[70] Staudtmeister K, Rokahr RB. Rock mechanical design of storage caverns for natural gas in rock salt mass. Int J Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 1997;34(3‒4):300.e1‒13.

[71] Langer M, Heusermann S. Geomechanical stability and integrity of waste disposal mines in salt structures. Eng Geol 2001;61(2‒3):155‒61.

[72] Bérest P. The mechanical behavior of salt and salt caverns. In: Proceedings of the ISRM International Symposium EUROCK 2013; 2013 Oct 23‍‒‍26; Wroclaw, Poland. Richardson: OnePetro; 2013. p. 17‒30. link1

[73] Yang C, Wang T, Qu D, Ma H, Li Y, Shi X, et al. Feasibility analysis of using horizontal caverns for underground gas storage: a case study of Yunying salt district. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2016;36(Pt A):252‒66. link1

[74] Yang C, Wang T, Li J, Ma H, Shi X, Daemen JJK. Feasibility analysis of using closely spaced caverns in bedded rock salt for underground gas storage: a case study. Environ Earth Sci 2016;75(15):1138. link1

[75] Wang T, Ao L, Wang B, Ding S, Wang K, Yao F, et al. Tightness of an underground energy storage salt cavern with adverse geological conditions. Energy 2022;238(C):121906. link1

[76] Li J, Shi X, Yang C, Li Y, Wang T, Ma H, et al. Repair of irregularly shaped salt cavern gas storage by re-leaching under gas blanket. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2017;45:848‒59. link1

[77] Li J, Shi X, Wang T, Yang C, Li Y, Ma H, et al. A prediction model of the accumulation shape of insoluble sediments during the leaching of salt cavern for gas storage. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2016;33:792‒802. link1

[78] Wang Y, Zhou D, Deng L, Fu Y, Guan D. Study on improving the solution-mining processes of salt cavern gas storage and field application of the improved process technology. J Southwest Petro Univ 2018;40(5):147‍‒‍53. Chinese.

[79] Wang J, An G, Shan B, Wang W, Jia J, Wang T, et al. Parameter optimization of solution mining under nitrogen for the construction of a gas storage salt cavern. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2021;91:103954. link1

[80] Xiao N, Liang W, Zhang S. Feasibility analysis of a single-well retreating horizontal cavern for natural gas storage in bedded salt rock. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2022;99:104446. link1

[81] Jiang D, Li Z, Liu W, Ban F, Chen J, Wang Y, et al. Construction simulating and controlling of the two-well-vertical (TWV) salt caverns with gas blanket. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2021;96:104291. link1

[82] Zheng Y, Zhao Y, Ding G, Wu Z, Lu S, Lai X, et al. Solution mining technology of enlarging space for thick-sandwich salt cavern storage. Pet Explor Dev 2017;44(1):139‒45. link1

[83] Brouard B, Bérest P, Couteau J. Influence of the leaching phase on the mechanical behavior of salt caverns. Int J Rock Mech Min 1997;34(3‒4):26e1‒15.

[84] Zemke J, Stöwera M, Borgmeier M. Injection of brine from cavern leaching into deep saline aquifers: long-term experiences in modeling and reservoir survey. Dev Water Sci 2005;2005(52):403‒12. link1

[85] Wang T, Yang C, Shi X, Ma H, Li Y, Yang Y, et al. Failure analysis of thick interlayer from leaching of bedded salt caverns. Int J Rock Mech Min 2015;73:175‒83. link1

[86] Yang J, Li H, Yang C, Li Y, Wang T, Shi X, et al. Physical simulation of flow field and construction process of horizontal salt cavern for natural gas storage. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2020;82:103527. link1

[87] Sedaee B, Mohammadi M, Esfahanizadeh L, Fathi Y. Comprehensive modeling and developing a software for salt cavern underground gas storage. J Energy Storage 2019;25:100876. link1

[88] Bérest P, Brouard B. Safety of salt caverns used for underground storage: blow out; mechanical instability; seepage; cavern abandonment. Oil Gas Sci Technol 2003;58(3):361‒84. link1

[89] An G, Wang B, Wang C, Chen C, Lu Z, Shi Z, et al. Analysis on the reason for the higher volume shrinkage of Cavity A of Jintan salt-cavern gas storage. Oil Drill Product Tech 2020;42(4):507‒12. Chinese.

[90] Li Y, Kong Q, Shi X, Li S, Yang B, Yang C. Viscoelastic model of surface subsidence of salt cavern storage and its application. Rock Soil Mech 2017;38(7):2049‒58. Chinese.

[91] Wei L, Jing G, Xu G, Wang F, Li X, Liu B. Application of microseismic monitoring technology in underground gas storage. Nat Gas Ind 2018;38(8):41‒6. Chinese.

[92] Wang T, Li J, Jing G, Zhang Q, Yang C, Daemen JJK. Determination of the maximum allowable operating pressure for a gas storage underground salt cavern—a case study of Jintan, China. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 2019;11(2):251‒62. link1

[93] Castellazzi P, Schmid W. Interpreting C-band InSAR ground deformation data for large-scale groundwater management in Australia. J Hydrol Reg Stud 2021;34:100774. link1

Related Research