Operator information needs in underground hydrogen storage monitoring

Abstract

Underground Hydrogen Storage is gaining prominence as a solution for balancing energy grids in the transition to renewable energy, particularly as hydrogen offers flexibility amid the intermittency of renewables. However, deploying underground hydrogen storage within the Finnish energy system and bedrock conditions introduces complex technical, human, and organizational challenges. This research, conducted as part of the HUG Hydrogen Underground project, explores critical human factors in underground hydrogen storage development, focusing on operator roles, essential human tasks, and competency requirements to ensure safe operation. Using Work Domain Analysis —the first phase of Cognitive Work Analysis—the study characterizes the functional structure and operator support needs of storage system, considering constraints, purposes, processes, and physical components. An abstraction hierarchy model was created to define system purposes, values, and functions, facilitating the identification of critical operational dependencies and areas demanding operator understanding. Ten functional monitoring themes were developed to guide a participatory exercise involving HUG project experts in geology, engineering, safety, and operations, using Microsoft Whiteboard for collaborative input. The analysis of participant responses led to an initial monitoring concept, highlighting operator-critical information flows, interface design considerations for system-level oversight, and situational awareness requirements specific to underground hydrogen storages. In addition, visual mock-ups were prepared to illustrate potential displays for storage system (e.g., storage integrity, hydrogen inventory, and injection–withdrawal dynamics). The findings underscore the importance of integrating human factors early in system design to e.g., align monitoring concepts with operator information needs, laying a foundation for safe and effective storage operations.

Keywords: Underground Hydrogen Storage, Human Factors, Operator Work, Process Control And Monitoring

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007567