Fluxys Belgium, a key player in the country’s energy infrastructure landscape, has announced a significant step towards the future of clean energy with the unveiling of its BE-HyStore pilot project. The groundbreaking initiative aims to store hydrogen underground, presenting a promising solution to energy storage and supply security.
The event announcing this project was attended by prominent figures in Belgium’s government, including Federal Minister of the Economy and Employment Pierre-Yves Dermagne and Federal Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten.
Fluxys Belgium, leveraging its vast experience in underground natural gas storage, is venturing into uncharted territory by exploring the potential of underground hydrogen storage. This innovative endeavor is based at the Fluxys Loenhout site in the province of Antwerp, where, beneath the earth’s surface, a unique geological structure offers the ideal environment for storing gaseous molecules. Since 1985, this site has been instrumental in storing and subsequently recovering natural gas, underlining its significance in ensuring Belgium’s natural gas supply security.
The journey towards the BE-HyStore pilot project began three years ago, as Fluxys delved into the feasibility of this pioneering venture. In collaboration with Geostock, a global leader in underground storage solutions, Fluxys now seeks to take sustainable storage solutions to the next level. Their partner in this endeavor is none other than Ghent University, and this ambitious joint initiative has garnered support from the federal government’s Energy Transition Fund.
Hydrogen, a molecule known for its potential as a clean energy carrier, is at the heart of this project. It offers a high level of supply security for renewable energy, even in periods characterized by low wind or sunshine. The Loenhout site is poised to play a pivotal role in this vision, with a potential hydrogen storage capacity of 2.4 TWh. This capacity is equivalent to fueling an astonishing 30 million electric vehicles. In a world gradually transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, this endeavor positions Belgium as a trailblazer in hydrogen storage technology.
Federal Minister of the Economy and Employment Pierre-Yves Dermagne lauded the launch of the BE-HyStore pilot project in Loenhout, highlighting the significance of such innovative endeavors for Belgium’s green transition and sustainable prosperity. These experiments, coupled with the development of a robust hydrogen infrastructure, form the building blocks of Belgium’s energy future. They not only promise economic growth but also create employment opportunities. Belgium, with its innovative energy sector, aims to position itself as a leader in emerging markets.
The BE-HyStore project, with its audacious goals and strong governmental support, shines a light on the future of clean energy and energy storage. By leveraging underground hydrogen storage, Belgium is taking significant strides towards a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
