CB&I Achieves Milestone with First Fill of Innovative LH2 Storage Tank at NASA

CB&I Marks a Major Milestone in Liquid Hydrogen Storage

CB&I has reached a critical milestone in its efforts towards large-scale liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage by successfully completing the first fill of a pioneering LH2 demonstration tank at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Hydrogen Test Facility (HTF). This achievement signifies the effective implementation of non-vacuum insulation technology, which has the potential to significantly reduce costs for future LH2 storage applications.

For over sixty years, CB&I has been a leader in cryogenic insulation and has been instrumental in the development of LH2 storage solutions. The tank represents the culmination of a collaborative effort involving CB&I, Shell, NASA, GenH2, and the University of Houston, all aimed at creating affordable, scalable LH2 storage methods that can be validated in an operational environment.

Announced in 2025, this initiative underscores CB&I's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the hydrogen sector. The non-vacuum insulation technology used in this demonstration tank is designed to lower the capital expense associated with high-throughput LH2 storage — a crucial aspect as the demand for more efficient and economical energy solutions grows. The successful fill of the 20 m³ tank at the HTF not only triples the facility's total LH2 storage capacity but also allows for daily refills, leading to expedited testing of insulation systems through repeated thermal cycles.

“Completing the first fill of our demonstration tank is a significant step toward validating a more cost-effective approach for large-scale liquid hydrogen storage,” observed Yogesh Meher, Vice President of Engineering at CB&I. He further emphasized that conducting tests under real operating conditions at NASA's facility accelerates the pathway to commercial deployment while supporting the larger hydrogen economy.

The coming months will see thorough evaluation and performance analysis of the non-vacuum insulation system by NASA and partnering organizations. This will yield critical data to assist in the commercialization and widespread adoption of large-scale LH2 storage technologies.

CB&I's legacy in supporting America's space initiatives is well-documented; the company constructed its first LH2 storage sphere in 1960 to accommodate NASA’s Gemini and Apollo programs. Since then, it has built more than 130 LH2 storage tanks globally, including the world’s largest LH2 storage sphere completed in 2022 to facilitate NASA’s Artemis program.

CB&I continues to blend innovative spirit with established engineering excellence, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations across various sectors through their integrated storage and asset management solutions. Owned by a consortium of financial investors led by Mason Capital Management LLC, CB&I's comprehensive approach combines technical prowess with operational execution, extending asset longevity while optimizing performance.

These advancements not only represent progress in hydrogen storage technology but also reflect a steadfast commitment to fostering a sustainable energy future. As the hydrogen sector evolves, initiatives like that of CB&I will play a crucial role in establishing the infrastructure required to meet future energy demands.

For further information on CB&I and its initiatives, visit CBI's official website.