Stade Region to Transform into Hydrogen Hub by 2030
Key Ideas
- Storengy Deutschland plans to build underground salt caverns in Stade to store up to 15,000 tonnes of hydrogen by 2030.
- The caverns, each capable of holding 7,500 tonnes, will support a regional steel mill's hydrogen needs, positioning Stade as a hydrogen hub.
- The project is part of the EU Hydrogen Backbone, connecting the storage facility to the European transport network and promoting the energy transition.
- The SaltHy project has been designated as a key element of Europe's green hydrogen economic sector, enhancing the region's role in the hydrogen value chain.
Storengy Deutschland has announced plans to construct underground salt caverns in Stade to store up to 15,000 tonnes of hydrogen by 2030 as part of the "SaltHy" project. These caverns, with a capacity of 7,500 tonnes each, are set to cater to the hydrogen requirements of a regional steel mill, solidifying Stade's position as a hydrogen hub in the north. The caverns, due for commissioning in 2030 and 2034 respectively, will leverage the natural impermeability of salt caverns, which is ideal for gas storage. By converting two existing natural gas storage caverns to hydrogen storage, Stade will boost its hydrogen infrastructure. The project aligns with the EU Hydrogen Backbone initiative, integrating the storage facilities with the European transport network. Ute Kück, Mayor of Harsefeld, emphasized the strategic importance of the hydrogen storage facilities in connecting various elements of the hydrogen value chain in the region, facilitating the energy transition. The SaltHy flagship project has gained recognition as a vital component in driving Europe's green hydrogen sector, underscoring the significance of Stade's role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.