The installation – the first of its kind in the world – is based on tubes and connections with extensively-proven sealing technology and corrosion resistance. It demonstrates the validity of Vallourec’s innovative concept, establishes Vallourec as a key player in the hydrogen value chain and is an enabler for global decarbonisation. The solution is an underground system, capable of storing up to 100 t of hydrogen gas under maximum safety conditions. The system is suitable for green hydrogen producers, users for industrial applications and heavy mobility.
Vallourec chose its historic Aulnoye-Aymeries site – home to its European industrial base and worldwide Research & Development centre – to make this breakthrough a reality. Initial in-depth work led to last year’s launch of the project, which involved some thirty experts, and showcases the group's different areas of expertise, particularly in threading, heat treatment and non-destructive testing.
Growth prospects in the global hydrogen sector are substantial, with a projected installed capacity of 61 million t by 2030, providing Vallourec with an estimated revenue of several tens of millions of euros per storage unit.
To support the commercial development of this storage solution, Vallourec is launching it under a new brand name, 'Delphy'.
This hydrogen storage technology is part of the wider Vallourec® New Energies offering, designed to support the energy transition, including geothermal, carbon sequestration, solar and biomass segments. New Energies’ offerings could contribute between 10% and 15% of Vallourec's EBITDA by 2030.
Vallourec Group Chairman and CEO, Philippe Guillemot, commented: “The emerging hydrogen market offers excellent growth prospects. It demonstrates the value of our technologies to the new energy sectors and confirms the group's ambition to be a key player in the energy transition and low-carbon economy within the 2050 timeframe.”
Ulrika Wising, SVP Energy Transition and member of Vallourec's Executive Committee, added: “Our vertical hydrogen storage solution marks an important milestone for Vallourec. This project offers, reliable, modular, and competitive large scale storage capacity. Vallourec offers a unique value proposition for the development of the hydrogen economy.”