This paper provides a systematic visualization of the development, current status and challenges of salt cavern hydrogen storage technology based on the relevant literature from the past five years in the Web of Science Core Collection database. Using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) and CiteSpace software (advanced version 6.3.R3), this study analyzes the field from a knowledge mapping perspective. The findings reveal that global research hotspots are primarily focused on multi-energy collaboration, integration of renewable energy systems and exploration of commercialization, highlighting the essential role of salt cavern hydrogen storage in driving the energy transition and promoting sustainable development. In China, research mainly concentrates on theoretical innovations and technological optimizations to address complex geological conditions. Despite the rapid growth in the number of Chinese publications, unresolved challenges remain, such as the complexity of layered salt rock, and thermodynamic coupling effects during high-frequency injection and extraction, as well as issues concerning permeability and microbial activity. Moving forward, China’s salt cavern hydrogen storage technology should focus on strengthening engineering practices suited to local geological conditions and enhancing the application of intelligent technologies, thereby facilitating the translation of theoretical research into practical applications.