HyStorage partners present interim results after first operation phase
Almost 90% hydrogen was recovered – reservoir performance has not been affected
Material tests showed no influence of hydrogen corrosion
Hydrogen storage essential for the decarbonization of the European energy market
Bavarian porous rock formations secure supply and offer further potential for hydrogen storage in Europe
The first operating phase of HyStorage with a 5% hydrogen blend was successfully completed end of January 2024. The partner companies presented the first interim results of the research project, which examines the integrity of porous rock formations for the storage of hydrogen, in the presence of Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy Hubert Aiwanger to representatives from politics and industry at the designated well site close to Uniper’s Bierwang storage facility yesterday.
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HyStorage is part of the implementation of Uniper's "Greener Gases" strategy and serves to prepare commercial storage projects. The storage of hydrogen in the Bavarian porous rock formations holds enormous potential for the flexibility of the emerging hydrogen market. However, an orderly transition and an integrated view of natural gas and hydrogen demand is required to ensure decarbonization and a rapid hydrogen ramp-up while maintaining the security of natural gas supply with high cost efficiency. Investments require a regulatory framework which should incentivize early investments. The principles of contracts for difference should be applied to achieve the aims in a cost-efficient and effective manner.
Holger Kreetz, Uniper COO
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The initial preliminary results are generally optimistic. Although it is still too premature to make a definitive statement on the suitability of the southern German porous rock formations, and thus the Alpine Molasse Basin in general, for pure hydrogen storage. But one thing is certain: Hydrogen is becoming an essential element for the decarbonization process of the European energy market. The existing underground storage facilities in Bavaria are of great importance for the security of natural gas supply in the coming years and, in the long term, for the transition to seasonal hydrogen storage with their large volumes and high injection and withdrawal rates. They provide a solution for storage of volatile renewable energies and also for the connection to European hydrogen corridors.
Doug Waters, Managing Director Uniper Energy Storage
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I am delighted that the tests have gone well so far. The HyStorage cooperation project is crucial for pushing forward the topic of hydrogen storage in Bavaria. In combination with H2 power plants, hydrogen storage can become a decisive building block for a secure and stable renewable energy industry. It is an important research project for Bavaria. The free state of Bavaria only has natural gas porous rock storages. HyStorage is a good example of how the suitability of a pore storage facility for H2 storage is being examined in order to prepare for the transformation from natural gas to hydrogen and to gather the necessary knowledge in advance. I wish the research project at the Bierwang storage site continuing success and look forward to the final results at the end of the project in 2025.
Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy
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The close cooperation and expertise of the five experienced European project partners Uniper, OGE, RAG Austria, SEFE Securing Energy for Europe and NAFTA including the scientific support of the test ensured that the collected data of the first phase was deeply analyzed and evaluated.
· During the 7-day withdrawal phase almost 90% of the previously injected hydrogen was recovered. Analysis showed that the reservoir performance remained the same and a very homogeneous hydrogen distribution within the reservoir can be indicated.
· The material testing has been successfully conducted during the test in the subsurface and next to the well in a special pressure vessel. All preliminary results of the tested materials showed no influence of hydrogen corrosion.
· The gas composition was analyzed in detail at three points in the process to ensure the accuracy of the results and to guarantee safe operation.
· Microbiological activities such as methanization and sulfate reduction were observed on a small scale. In preparation for the test a special hydrogen simulation model was developed solely for the HyStorage test that simulates hydrogen and natural gas flow in the reservoir as well as microbiological activity. Tests of the model were accomplished and all data obtained will be used to calibrate the model to be able to even make more accurate future predictions.
Additional steps are planned for the upcoming project phases to investigate whether the initial results remain valid for subsequent phases with higher concentrations and further exposure to hydrogen overall. Depending on further evaluation the second operating phase will be carried out this year.
Within the HyStorage project three different natural gas/hydrogen gas mixtures with 5 per cent, 10 per cent and 25 per cent hydrogen content in the natural gas are injected into the former natural gas reservoir and then withdrawn after a three-month resting period in each case and blended into the station’s main field piping system. The first cycle with 5% hydrogen serves as a basic check of the feasibility of the installations, the second will establish comparability with other international industrial projects and the third will be a continuation and preparation for future, higher hydrogen concentrations, but also for possible hydrogen peaks due to concentration fluctuations in the natural gas infrastructure.
Uniper Energy Storage is the consortium leader, operator and responsible for the test under mining law. The consortium is further consisting of the companies OGE, RAG Austria, SEFE Securing Energy for Europe and NAFTA, which contribute their expertise, and is also supported by interdisciplinary partners from industry and science. The project has been approved by the Southern Bavarian Mining Authority.
