Storengy, a subsidiary of the French network operator Engie, is planning to convert two salt caverns for the storage of pure hydrogen at the Harsefeld site near Stade, where a natural gas storage facility is already in operation. The first hydrogen storage facility is set to commence operations in 2030 as part of the European Hydrogen Backbone, with the second cavern to follow by 2034. These plans are part of the “SaltHy” project, as announced by Storengy on Thursday, July 11.
Storage Capacity and Timeline
The planned caverns are expected to hold up to 7,500 tons of hydrogen each, sufficient to meet the needs of a regional steel plant for about two months – approximately 140 tons of hydrogen per day. Currently, Storengy is conducting site surveys, detailed engineering, and preparations for the approval process. In the long term, the conversion of existing natural gas storage facilities in Harsefeld to hydrogen storage is also planned.
Project of Common Interest (PCI) Status
The SaltHy project was recognized as a PCI project (“Project of Common Interest”) by the European Union in November 2023, which facilitates Storengy's access to funding and expedited approval processes. The new storage project is at the heart of the planned European hydrogen transport network “EU Hydrogen Backbone,” which is set to gradually start operations from 2028. Experts anticipate that the long-term demand for hydrogen storage will far exceed the conversion potential of existing natural gas storage facilities, necessitating new storage solutions. Northern Germany, with its natural salt deposits at depths of 1,000 to 2,000 meters, is particularly well-suited for conversion into salt cavern storage, which is ideal for gas storage due to its natural tightness.
Hydrogen Region Stade
The Stade region aims to become a central hydrogen hub, with various projects along the entire hydrogen value chain, such as the Hanseatic Energy Hub. Its geographical location with a port and ammonia terminal makes Stade a key point for trade, logistics, and industrial development around hydrogen. Additionally, the region offers areas for onshore and offshore wind farms to locally produce green hydrogen.
Importance of the New Infrastructure
Ute Kück, Mayor of Harsefeld, emphasized the importance of the new hydrogen infrastructure in a press release. She described hydrogen storage as “the missing piece of the puzzle” to optimally connect various projects like import terminals, regional electrolysis plants, the hydrogen transport network “Hyperlink,” the distribution network “Hamburg Green Energy Hub,” and consumption centers of energy-intensive industries. “Storage facilities provide flexibility and security to both producer and industrial projects. With Storengy, we have a strong partner that has been active in the region for many years, bringing the necessary experience and expertise in the safe operation of gas storage facilities and the implementation of highly complex industrial projects. We are very pleased that the Stade economic region is being enhanced by this project and strengthens our position as a hydrogen hub in northern Germany.”
