Grid and Storage Operators

H2 Readiness and H2 Second Life: Renewed infrastructures for the molecule of the future

Conversion or new build? What do grid and storage operators need to know?

In its climate policy, Europe is focussing on hydrogen as a key energy source of the future in order to limit climate change. In Germany, the technology with the molecule of the future is already seen as the key to the success of the energy transition. The German government is pursuing the goal of further promoting the integration and use of renewable energies using hydrogen to decarbonise all energy-intensive sectors. As a storage medium for electricity generated from renewable sources, hydrogen can be used in energy grids, storage systems and connected systems for sector coupling. It is therefore important to review existing grid and storage infrastructure in terms of its hydrogen readiness and to make appropriate technical adjustments. For example, what technical and regulatory conditions must a hydrogen storage facility fulfil in order to be H2-ready?

The upcoming transformations pose new and sometimes revolutionary challenges for operators of electricity and gas grids and energy storage systems. This also affects control technology and IT security, for example. And since every technological innovation harbours risks, it is important to recognise, identify and avoid risks right from the start.

The HydroHub supports grid and storage operators in meeting these challenges with the excellent 360° expertise and services for consulting, engineering and training from TÜV NORD GROUP companies. The comprehensive service portfolio also includes the evaluation of new business areas with market analyses. After all, the storage and transport of hydrogen can, for example, offer the opportunity to gain new customers in industry who want to use hydrogen as a coolant, reducing agent or energy carrier.

Safety begins with prevention

The operators of pipelines and underground hydrogen storage facilities have a special role to play in the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy because they have experience in the basic technologies. However, the existing infrastructure can rarely be utilised on a one-to-one basis, as hydrogen is much more volatile and lighter than natural gas or methane. Hydrogen diffuses through numerous materials that are installed in pipework systems. The new, lightweight energy carrier therefore requires modified safety concepts: for pipes, valves, pumps, intermediate storage and storage tanks.

The safety of systems such as hydrogen storage systems begins with prevention. The experts at HydroHub consider, for example, the permeation of gases and the resulting pressure build-up, calculate the risks, such as for an explosion caused by external intervention, lightning or fire, and calculate the possible pressure wave in the event of detonation or bursting of the respective system units. The HydroHub portfolio also includes the optimisation of safety valves and the analysis of the process engineering design of components such as heat exchangers or pumps and the simulation of plant dynamics. Our services ensure safe, risk-free handling of hydrogen storage tanks and other hydrogen-related technologies.

HydroHub advises on state subsidies: from grid operators to hydrogen storage systems

Germany has set itself the goal of achieving the most comprehensive conversion possible by 2050. To this end, funding totalling several billion euros has been approved for research, development and production as part of the National Hydrogen Strategy. This funding is intended to enable a rapid market ramp-up of the required technologies. The conversion of existing gas storage facilities into hydrogen storage facilities in particular has potential - around 32 terawatt hours of hydrogen could be stored here in the course of conversion. In order to achieve greenhouse neutrality in the near future, the conversion would have to be supplemented by the construction of new hydrogen storage facilities with a capacity of 41 terawatt hours. Germany is thus set to become the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of hydrogen technologies.

Those who take action and invest now can benefit from the subsidies that have been approved and thus drive the conversion forward more cost-effectively. Take advantage of the HydroHub's expertise in guidelines for funding opportunities. Experts from various TÜV NORD GROUP companies will advise you on how exactly your project can succeed with subsidies and which steps are necessary.

Advice on converting gas storage tanks into hydrogen storage tanks

The feasibility of green hydrogen is being tested across the board within a large number of projects. Green hydrogen is seen as a sustainable alternative to fossil natural gas, making hydrogen technologies increasingly relevant. As part of the transition, existing infrastructure must be adapted to the use of hydrogen - gas storage facilities must be able to function as hydrogen storage facilities in the future. The switch to hydrogen is also becoming increasingly economically attractive thanks to subsidies - a trend that will continue due to the climate targets to be achieved.

Converting conventional gas storage facilities into hydrogen storage facilities is therefore of particular interest to energy supply companies. However, the changeover is associated with a number of challenges, which HydroHub can advise you on as a hydrogen expert.

Hundreds of highly specialised services for grid operators and hydrogen storage providers

With market-oriented research, feasibility studies and concepts, we are helping to make hydrogen a safe, economically attractive option in the energy supply. We offer hundreds of specialised services. These include Creation of concepts for hybrid energy supply, for networking, distribution, storage and reconversion to electricity, as well as electrotechnical and I&C assessments, advice on fault design, functional safety, earthing and lightning protection, EMC and system protection and, last but not least, IT security.

Please contact us and get in touch with us. Briefly describe your project to us. We will put together a team of experts for you.