Gasunie gas pipeline operator testing hydrogen storage
September 23, 2021The Dutch company has converted a section of a salt cavern storage facility for the purpose.
Gasunie has announced the successful conversion of a portion of a salt cavern facility from gas to hydrogen storage and additional testing is now in progress.
The company announced that it has now injected H2 into the subsurface at its Zuidwending site.
“Following further successful completion, Gasunie can continue with the development of storage in salt caverns, the first of which could be fully operational by 2026,” said a statement released by Gasunie. The company now intends to launch the development of a national infrastructure for H2 transportation. The broader intention of the hydrogen storage and transportation is to help further develop the market for this alternative fuel.
Large capacity H2 storage is critical for providing the ability to keep up with energy supply and demand imbalances. As the Groningen field has been decommissioned, the pipelines have the potential for being repurposed for transporting H2 instead of the natural gas for which they had been previously used.
Gasunie has stated that the salt caverns are a solid option for hydrogen storage in large quantities.
The caverns are a “safe, efficient and reliable way to store large quantities of energy, also for a longer period of time,” said a news release by the company. Until now, the Zuidwending site has been used for storing natural gas. It “offers unique conditions for preparing large-scale hydrogen storage for the envisaged development of the hydrogen market,” added the statement.
During the Zuidwending demonstration project, H2 was injected into a borehole for research purposes. During this initial test, the pressure rose gradually until it reached over 200 bar. The materials and components required for this purpose were assessed to determine their suitability for storming H2.
The phase the company is currently running will be between four and six weeks in length. It will continue to hold hydrogen storage demonstrations and testing from November 2021 through spring 2022. Local residents in the region of Groningen where the Zuidwending site is located will be informed regarding the testing activities ahead of time.
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This sounds scary – What’s wrong with Natural Gas – Seems to work just fine. I think what you all are preparing to do through Catalyst is going to do more damage to the Earth than you think. Is this really just a way to stuff your corporate pockets with more Billions and while you all jet around on your private jets we the people get to live under your rules and Carbon Restrictions. And how do you get this H2? What is the process? Do you remove it from fresh water? Anyway be sure you notify the local residents before you do your tests – hahaha
Great to see salt mines being tested and used for this purpose. There are many old salt mines in the US. Salt producers working with oils and gas companies should consider using the available salt mines for this purpose as well. These old salt mines are strategically located across the US. Something that was recommended years ago in emails to help transition the US to a hydrogen economy. Chevron has stored hydrogen in Texas salt mines since the 1980s.
What’s wrong with natural gas? The US has approximately 90 years available reserves at current production levels. Please do not be afraid of advances in this amazing catalyst technology. These advances are an economic lifeline gained from very talented researchers and others supporting endless energy solutions long past depleted natural gas and oil reserves occur. Fortunately, the solution to an endless energy supply is now available if all work quickly to make the change needed to hydrogen economies. The energy technologies necessary to support a hydrogen economy are now known and available for implementation worldwide. Australia, England, India, China and the US now see this clearly and must move quickly. Sustainable green hydrogen will primarily come from ocean water not fresh. Carbon restrictions will diminish in the future as countries implement green energy technologies like this one.