In Finland, there is a growing interest in exploring underground hydrogen storage facilities as a solution to the challenges of supplying and demand for green hydrogen. This is due to the fact that storing hydrogen above ground is expensive and presents safety concerns. The Hug project, which is a collaborative effort between VTT, Geological Research Center GTK, and industrial organizations, aims to investigate the feasibility of built gas storage facilities as an alternative to natural formations.
The Hug project is being co-financed by Business Finland and forms part of Neste and Valmet’s Veturi ecosystems. The construction of underground hydrogen storage facilities is seen as essential for the future hydrogen industry in Finland. By balancing the supply and demand of green hydrogen, these storage facilities will play a key role in ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy supply.
Researchers believe that underground storage is the most cost-effective and secure option for large-scale storage of hydrogen. Natural formations are not suitable for gas storage in Finland, making this option impractical. Built gas storage facilities offer a viable solution to this challenge by allowing for efficient and safe storage of large amounts of hydrogen.
The Hug project will focus on investigating the technical aspects of built gas storage facilities, including their design, construction, and maintenance. The goal is to develop practical solutions that can be implemented on a large scale in order to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen in Finland.
Overall, the Hug project represents an important step towards building a sustainable future for energy production in Finland. By developing innovative solutions for underground hydrogen storage, researchers hope to create a more reliable and efficient energy supply that can support economic growth and development in the country.
