Patent ID: 7152675

Claim:
A method for the storage of hydrogen within a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation comprising: (a) providing at least one well extending from the surface of the earth and penetrating into said solid carbonaceous formation; (b) establishing a pressure gradient from said formation to the surface to desorb methane contained within said solid carbonaceous formation and producing methane from said formation through said well to a surface methane recovery facility; (c) subsequent to the recovery of methane from said formation, injecting gaseous hydrogen through said well and into said solid carbonaceous formation; (d) continuing the injection of hydrogen into said subterranean formation under a pressure sufficient and in an amount sufficient to cause injected hydrogen to be absorbed within the matrix of said carbonaceous formation; and (e) subsequent to the storage of hydrogen within said solid carbonaceous formation establishing a pressure gradient from said carbonaceous formation to the surface to withdraw previously introduced hydrogen to the surface.