Hydrogen as a future energy source
Hydrogen will increasingly play a decisive role in the energy transition. This will result in a need for hydrogen storage systems from 2030 onwards in order to ensure a stable and reliable supply in the event of fluctuating energy production. The transformation of the energy system requires existing underground facilities to be quickly converted to meet demand and new facilities to be built. At the same time, natural gas storage facilities must continue to maintain security of supply.
We are driving the energy transition forward by developing salt caverns for the underground storage of hydrogen in north-west Germany as a first step. To this end, we are currently investigating both existing sites and potential new sites along the planned hydrogen core network.
We intend to make a working gas capacity of 250-600 GWh available to the market by the end of 2030. The first commercial hydrogen storage facility is scheduled to go into operation at our Krummhörn storage site with a minimum working gas capacity of 250 GWh by the end of 2029. The HPC (Hydrogen Pilot Cavern) Krummhörn pilot project will provide us with final results by 2025, which will be of considerable benefit for the implementation of further commercial hydrogen storage facilities.
Current hydrogen storage projects
The storage of pure hydrogen in cavern storage is technically feasible and very efficient due to the rapid feed-in and withdrawal, i.e. H. they can compensate for short-term fluctuations in demand. Pore storage, which occurs primarily in southern Germany and requires individual consideration, has high volumes that can be used for seasonal storage. That's why we're currently running test projects in both types of storage. Below you will find further information about our current hydrogen storage projects.
Porous rock storage
In our HyStorage research project, we are testing the integrity of porous rock storages for hydrogen storage. At our Bierwang site in Bavaria we examine the influence of different hydrogen concentrations on porous rock formations. The measurement data and results generated, will help to fundamentally assess the suitability of the storage location for the future storage of hydrogen.
Cavern Storage
The HPC Krummhörn project aims to test the construction and operation of a 100% hydrogen storage facility under real conditions. During the test operation, we check equipment, materials and substances for H2 compatibility and gather experience regarding technology and operation in the storage of hydrogen. For this purpose, we are using our salt cavern storage facility in Krummhörn in northern Germany, which has not been used commercially since 2017. The demonstration plant is scheduled to go into operation by 2024.
