The East Midlands Storage (EMStor) consortium, led by Cadent, has secured strategic innovation funding from Ofgem to further explore the potential of hydrogen storage in the East Midlands. This funding comes after a successful bid and marks the beginning of the EMStor alpha phase, building on the discoveries made during the project's initial phases. The consortium, which now includes additional partners like Centrica Storage and Uniper, aims to focus on utilizing repurposed onshore hydrocarbon fields as the primary option for hydrogen storage in the region. The importance of hydrogen storage in ensuring energy security, resilience, and affordability in the East Midlands' energy system has been highlighted through the project's findings. The alpha phase of EMStor will delve deeper into various aspects, including future decisions, public perception, technical feasibility of underground storage, and regulatory considerations. The goal is to advance the technology readiness level for storing hydrogen in disused hydrocarbon fields by 2030, enabling a quicker transition away from natural gas towards decarbonization. Partners like BGS will play a critical role in conducting essential tests to understand how hydrogen behaves underground, aiding in accurate prediction and monitoring of storage. Furthermore, the project aims to not only provide energy security but also support the transition to renewable and low-carbon energy sources for local businesses. The dissemination event planned for spring 2025 will reveal detailed findings and lay out the next steps for the project. Overall, EMStor aims to establish the scientific case for underground hydrogen storage in porous rocks, contributing to the advancement of hydrogen technologies in the region.