1. Context

The integration of photovoltaic and wind energy into power grids requires the development of storage solutions for these intermittent energies. Hydrogen, whose energy content per unit mass is three times greater than that of petroleum, is a promising energy carrier: electrical energy generated from renewable energies could be stored in the form of hydrogen produced by electrolysis, before being returned to the grid via a fuel cell or gas turbine. Each phase in the production, storage or consumption of this gas is CO ₂ -free, making this energy source particularly clean.

Hydrogen is a very light and flammable gas, making storage a delicate issue in the development of this sector. High-pressure gas storage is currently the most widespread. Hyperbaric" tanks operating at up to 700 bar have recently been developed. At this...