Krummhörn: A New Chapter in Green Hydrogen Storage
The Hydrogen Pilot Cavern (HPC) Krummhörn demonstration plant has been opened. It marked a significant step forward in the transition to sustainable energy. Specifically designed for green hydrogen storage, this new cavern will allow Uniper to explore its full potential under real operational conditions.
On 27 August, Olaf Lies, Lower Saxony’s Minister for Economic Affairs, alongside Uniper CEO Michael Lewis and other distinguished guests, inaugurated the facility. The event included detailed plant tours, offering insights into Uniper’s “Greener Gases” strategy.
Holger Kreetz, COO of Uniper, said, “Hydrogen storage will play a decisive role in the energy transition. Our HPC Krummhörn project lays the foundations for developing storage solutions on a commercial scale and is thus part of implementing the “Greener Gases” strategy.”
A decisive role in the energy transition
Looking ahead, Uniper plans to expand the Krummhörn site to a storage capacity of 250 GWh. It has a vision of up to 600 GWh by 2030, supporting Europe’s green energy goals.
“To tHis end, existing and new sites along the hydrogen core network in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia are being investigated,” said Doug Waters, Managing Director of Uniper Energy Storage.
Background behind HPC
Storing hydrogen in large quantities means making renewable energy sources flexibly available. This is essential for a decarbonised energy system in the future and the development of a hydrogen industry in Germany.
Uniper has been using large-scale storage facilities for safe natural gas storage for decades. They are testing underground hydrogen storage in caverns with the HPC Krummhörn project.
So far, hydrogen storage in salt caverns has been used sporadically in the USA and the UK. Uniper believes there needs to be more experience in Germany, especially for operational use with cyclical injection and withdrawal. The manufacturers need more specifications regarding material compatibility and certifications for operation with hydrogen.
This is why Uniper tests geological conditions and all plant components to determine their compatibility with hydrogen in a specially constructed pilot cavern.
The experience gained here will form the basis for larger-scale projects and the foundation for further construction, followed by commercial hydrogen caverns at other locations.
Project description
- Commissioning planned until 2024
- The storage volume of up to 500,000 Nm³ hydrogen
- Testing the operation and technology of 100% H2 storage in a real environment
- Understanding of the approval procedures and requirements
- Investigation of materials, underground and above-ground installations, and the functionality of individual components in an H2 storage operation.
- Development of a storage solution for green hydrogen on a commercial scale
The HPC Krummhörn project aims to test the construction and operation of a 100% hydrogen storage facility under real conditions.
