Climate-neutral hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in achieving a climate-neutral economic system in Germany.
Politicians and industry have unveiled billion-euro plans for the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure, including electrolysers, import terminals, pipelines, and large-scale consumers in both industry and the energy sector. To ensure a steady supply, comprehensive storage solutions are also essential.
Hydrogen is being positioned as a pivotal component in a sustainable energy system. Produced in a CO2-neutral manner, it can generate electricity in new gas-fired power plants during periods with insufficient wind or solar power. In steelworks, hydrogen is a cleaner alternative to coke, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The need for storage arises because hydrogen production does not always align with consumption rates.
Hydrogen is envisaged to be stored underground, similar to natural gas. There are two primary types of storage: cavern storage and pore storage. Cavern storage involves injecting gas into large cavities created in salt domes, while pore storage uses porous rocks. However, suitability for hydrogen storage in these facilities needs further confirmation, according to Sebastian Heinermann, Managing Director of the Association of Natural Gas Storage Operators (Ines).
Current Storage Capacity
Currently, Germany lacks sufficient hydrogen storage capacity. Although plans exist to convert existing natural gas storage facilities, the Federal Ministry of Economics anticipates that new hydrogen storage facilities will be necessary. By 2045, storage facilities capable of containing hydrogen with an energy content of 76 to 80 terawatt hours will be needed. Existing facilities might cover 32 terawatt hours, requiring new constructions to meet the rest of the demand.
Some hydrogen storage facilities exist internationally, notably in the USA and the UK. In Germany, only experimental facilities are operational. For example, EWE’s test cavern in Rüdersdorf and Uniper’s tests in Bierwang and Krummhorn are investigating storage methods in salt domes and porous rocks. These pilot projects aim to understand the technical and material challenges of hydrogen storage.
Future Storage Projects
Concrete plans for large-scale storage facilities are in place at various locations, including Huntorf, Bad Lauchstädt, and Gronau-Epe. EWE aims to commercialize hydrogen storage in Huntorf by 2027, whereas RWE plans to do so in Gronau by 2026. These projects are part of a broader initiative to develop commercially viable hydrogen storage solutions.
There are currently eighteen known hydrogen storage project ideas in various developmental stages. These are mostly smaller research and development projects. Ines members display a strong interest in advancing hydrogen storage technology, crucial for a successful energy transition in Germany.
