Objective In response to the demand for large-scale and long-term storage of hydrogen energy, this paper focuses on the technical potential and development pathway of geological hydrogen storage (GHS) within the context of the global energy transition. The aim is to develop a full-chain solution that encompasses technology assessment, risk control, and the promotion of industrialization, thereby providing scientific support for enhancing the hydrogen energy industry chain in pursuit of the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals.

Methods The study utilized data from typical GHS facilities worldwide. A multi-dimensional technical evaluation indicator system was established, followed by a systematic analysis to examine the various types of structural spaces for GHS both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the study reviewed the development trajectory and current status of GHS, summarizing the potential and bottlenecks of existing methods. Furthermore, priorities for the future development of GHS were identified.

Results ①GHS provides significant synergistic effects within the hydrogen energy industry chain, helping to mitigate fluctuations in hydrogen supply and demand while reducing cross-regional allocation costs. These advantages make this technology adaptable to various scenarios, including transportation, industry, and power generation. ②GHS demonstrates considerable potential in terms of demand, resource availability, economic benefits, and safety, indicating a promising outlook for large-scale applications. ③The development of GHS faces technical challenges in several areas, including geological integrity evaluation, wellbore integrity detection and evaluation, chemical reactions between hydrogen and the reservoir medium, surface injection and production technology for hydrogen storage, safety monitoring systems, and long-term stability evaluation. Therefore, accelerated efforts are essential to address the theoretical and technological challenges in these fields.

Conclusion This study advocates for a coordinated approach in future efforts to promote GHS, focusing on technological innovation, management innovation, business models, and policy support, as detailed below: ①Priority should be given to optimizing reservoir geology evaluation and engineering systems, developing intelligent wellbore monitoring technology based on the integration of multiple physical fields, and establishing a digital twin gas storage system to facilitate full life-cycle prediction and warning. ②Collaboration between upstream and downstream entities across the hydrogen energy industry chain should be fostered through the establishment of a standardized strategic framework, the formulation of standards at various levels and full life-cycle quality control specifications, as well as the development of technical solutions that can be easily replicated. ③Efforts should focus on exploring the financial innovation of “GHS income right pledges accompanied by blockchain-based traceability”. Additionally, an integrated solution should be designed to bundle green hydrogen supply with hydrogen storage services, as well as an energy package that combines “wind and solar power generation, GHS, and peak-shaving power supply”. ④A technical innovation support system should be established, and the construction of GHS facilities and hydrogen pipeline networks should be expedited to lay the groundwork for the large-scale development of the hydrogen energy industry.