BORSIG ZM Compression GmbH has reached a significant milestone in hydrogen storage technology with the successful factory test run of the first three Bx36 series reciprocating compressors.
These compressors are pivotal in RWE Gas Storage West GmbH’s hydrogen cavern storage project in Gronau-Epe, Germany. The project is expected to become the country’s first commercially operated underground hydrogen storage facility, marking a significant step in Germany’s energy transition.
Advanced Compressors for Hydrogen Storage
BORSIG ZM’s Bx36 compressors are designed to handle the high differential pressures required for hydrogen storage. Each compressor boasts a drive power of 2800 kW and a large control range, enabling flexible operation for initial filling and ongoing use at the facility. “Our machines are ideal for hydrogen storage due to their ability to handle high pressures easily,” says Martin Homann, Sales Director at BORSIG ZM Compression GmbH.
The collaboration between BORSIG ZM and RWE Gas Storage West demonstrates the importance of partnerships in advancing hydrogen technologies. Theresa Bethan, project lead at RWE Gas Storage West, praised BORSIG ZM for their innovative and reliable solutions, highlighting the company’s role in making the project a reality.
A Pioneering Project for Germany’s Hydrogen Future
The hydrogen cavern storage facility in Gronau-Epe will have a usable storage capacity of 38 million standard cubic meters, equivalent to the annual mileage of 30,000 cars. The commissioning of the compressors in 2026 will mark a key moment in Germany’s hydrogen strategy as part of the broader GET H2 initiative aimed at developing comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure.
