Covering the complexity of salt cavern storage solutions with Fichtner’s integrated expertise
At Fichtner, we understand the complexity involved in implementing salt cavern storage projects for hydrogen. We recognize the challenges and questions that clients face when embarking on such ventures. From technical requirements to safety considerations, financial viability, and regulatory compliance, clients need a comprehensive understanding to successfully navigate the landscape of salt cavern storage for hydrogen. As a partner, we provide valuable insights and guidance to empower clients in realizing their hydrogen storage goals using salt caverns.
Salt caverns - a sizable storage solution for the hydrogen backbone
Renewable energy potential is a vast, untapped resource that holds the key to a sustainable energy future. However, capturing this fluctuating generation potential requires innovative solutions that are technically feasible, economically viable and environmentally sustainable. One promising solution to this challenge is hydrogen. Using renewable electricity, hydrogen can be produced through the electrolysis of water and then used as an energy storage medium.
Underground hydrogen storage in salt cavern structures offers a system-friendly and low-investment cost solution with a technical storage potential across Europe of over 80 PWhH2, with more than 40% of the potential deposits located in Germany.[1] By converting renewable power into hydrogen and storing it in salt caverns, excess renewable power can be captured and transported across Europe, utilizing the European hydrogen backbone.
By 2050, a hydrogen storage capacity of 200 TWh is expected to be required in Europe, while long-term storage in caverns will already be a key technology in 2030. According to the outlook of the German National Hydrogen Council, even in the low-case scenario, all existing caverns in Germany must be converted from storage of natural gas to hydrogen by 2050 to meet the hydrogen storage demand. This involves 24 TWh of storage capacity that will be complemented by additional storage capacities of at least 14 TWh in the high-case scenario. This dynamic gives rise to both new technology and market players with innovative project opportunities.
Salt structures for potential cavern storage in Europe
Fichtner - Interdisciplinary expertise, 30 years of hydrogen experience and powerful tools
Fichtner provides interdisciplinary consulting services from one single source,including experience in integrated energy systems, as well as sound expertise in the specific technology areas. We have been working in the hydrogen sector for over three decades, with experience from more than 100 international projects. This equips Fichtner to navigate the complexities of salt cavern hydrogen storage projects throughout all planning phases: from the first idea up to the start of operation. Our team is also active in all fields: from policy consulting and business model development, to project development for investors and plant owners, through to realization in the areas of hydrogen production, infrastructure and applications.
One example in which Fichtner’s technical and economic expertise has been successfully merged is the “H2-Optimizer”. Fichtner supports its clients with this powerful in-house optimization tool, specifically in early planning phases and feasibility assessments, providing tailored energy system solutions considering local and individual framework conditions. Using the “H2-Optimizer”, parameters such as technical properties of the individual components as well as costs can be calculated, developing the lowest-cost solution. The following figure provides a schematic overview of the technologies already implemented in the “H2-Optimizer”. Among other storage technologies, salt caverns are already implemented in the tool.
The Fichtner H2-Optimizer also takes into account technology-specific constraints of key components such as compressors, pipelines, feed-in stations, as well as cavern-specific loading behavior (e.g. “standing losses”), geological characteristics (e.g. porosity and permeability of salt layers), and corresponding cost assumptions. It allows for the individual modeling of the client’s energy system, considering specific constraints and potentials. This way, the use of salt caverns can be compared with other storage technologies. Furthermore, key components of a salt cavern solution, such as natural gas purification plants or compressors with different pressure levels, leading to the most cost-effective solution can be sized. The solution can also be assessed under various operational scenarios such as different renewable energy power production profiles.
For more information on our H2-Optimizer and how it can further benefit your project, please see H2-Optimizer (fichtner-hydrogen.com).
If you are interested in exploring the potential of salt cavern hydrogen storage, we invite you to contact the Fichtner Hydrogen Team and its head, Matthias Schlegel. We look forward to supporting you in the journey towards a sustainable energy future.
