Geoscience Australia is conducting an exploratory project in the Adavale Basin to assess its potential for storing hydrogen gas. This ancient rock formation, situated beneath the Great Artesian Basin, could serve as an underground 'battery', offering an efficient and cost-effective method of energy storage. The region has significant geological features, including a thick salt deposit, which contributes to its viability for such a project.

The initiative comes at a crucial time, as Australia seeks innovative solutions to its renewable energy storage problems. The potential of this underground storage could help to power millions of homes across eastern Australia and address the pressing issue of energy shortages during peak demand periods. Moreover, the storage of hydrogen gas in geological formations is viewed as a step towards improving the nation’s energy resilience and transitioning to more sustainable energy sources.

Geoscience Australia intends to analyze geological samples from the Adavale Basin and publish its findings within six months, paving the way for further investment and development in hydrogen technology. The project aligns with broader efforts to tap into Australia’s abundant renewable resources while ensuring the safety and sustainability of water sources in the region, given the close proximity to communities relying on the Great Artesian Basin.