Pioneering H2CAST Etzel Project Begins Hydrogen Storage

German Company Storag Etzel GmbH Achieves Milestone in Hydrogen Storage Research

Storag Etzel GmbH, a leader in underground storage, has reached a major milestone in its research and development efforts related to hydrogen. The company has started filling salt caverns as part of the H2CAST Etzel project. The goal of the project is to confirm the suitability of existing infrastructure for large-scale hydrogen storage.

The Path to Hydrogen Storage

The project has made significant progress since its inception. In 2024, the salt caverns underwent conversion and detailed leak-tightness tests to ensure they met technical requirements. Hydrogen is delivered by truck under a pressure of 300 bar and is then injected into the caverns, displacing brine using specially designed infrastructure. By the end of January, several tons of hydrogen had been safely stored at a maximum pressure of 170 bar.

Storag Etzel has utilized proven technologies commonly used in natural gas storage. These include advanced sealing systems and monitoring tools to detect potential leaks. The company has also implemented a shuttle system for brine transport, allowing for flexible management of storage volume and pressure in the caverns.

Building a Hydrogen Future

The H2CAST Etzel project is not just a technological experiment, but also a model for the development of the German hydrogen industry. Supported by funds from the Lower Saxony government and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the project aims to create scalable and cost-effective storage solutions that support Germany’s renewable energy goals.

Currently, hydrogen is delivered to Etzel by truck due to the lack of pipeline infrastructure. By summer 2025, three deliveries per week are planned, and full cavern filling will require approximately 200 truck transports. However, in the future, thanks to the approved construction of a hydrogen network, the location will be connected to modern infrastructure, significantly improving the delivery process.

Next Steps and Long-term Goals

The project team is currently focused on the construction and commissioning of hydrogen purification facilities, which are expected to begin later this year. These systems will allow for gas drying, compression, and quality control. Long-term testing in real-world conditions will confirm the performance of the caverns and provide valuable data on their economic and technical feasibility.

By 2026, the Etzel facility is expected to be fully operational and ready for hydrogen storage. The results of the H2CAST Etzel project will be shared as a model for other similar locations in Germany, further strengthening the country’s position as a leader in the global hydrogen economy.

Collaborative Effort, Shared Success

Storag Etzel attributes the success of the H2CAST Etzel project to close cooperation with partners, including the Dutch gas network operator Gasunie and other technological specialists. “Our many years of experience in underground storage, combined with the expertise of our partners, has allowed us to make significant progress in the development of hydrogen storage technology,” emphasized Carsten Reekers, project manager.

Storag Etzel’s pioneering efforts demonstrate that existing infrastructure can be effectively transformed for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Source: fuelcellsworks.com