HyStorage first test phase successful

Holger Kreetz, Uniper COO, said: "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 decarbonisation 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 incentivise early investments. The principles of contracts for difference should be applied to achieve the aims in a cost-efficient and effective manner.

Doug Waters, Managing Director, Uniper Energy Storage, said: "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 decarbonisation 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."

Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, said: "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 hydrogen 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 hydrogen 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."

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 analysed 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 analysed in detail at three points in the process to ensure the accuracy of the results and to guarantee safe operation.

Microbiological activities such as methanisation 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%, 10% and 25% 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.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/13032024/hystorage-first-test-phase-successful/