H2SALT
H2SALT: Development of Solutions for Underground Hydrogen Storage in Salt Caverns
TEAM Group Engineering is participating in the H2SALT project, an R&D initiative developed in collaboration with TUBACEX Tubos Inoxidables S.A.U., TUBOS REUNIDOS Group S.L.U., TAMOIN S.L.U. and IBERDROLA Clientes S.A.U., with the involvement of the Energy Cluster Association (ACE), SIDEREX, TECNALIA Research & Innovation, TUBACEX Innovación and the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC). The project aims to research and develop the technological solutions required for the safe, efficient and cost-effective underground storage of hydrogen in salt caverns.
The project has addressed the development of an integrated geological hydrogen storage system through feasibility studies and conceptual design, characterisation of salt formations across the Iberian Peninsula, development of tubular materials and injection-withdrawal systems, engineering of auxiliary surface facilities for gas treatment, and the design of a techno-economic business model based on the Levelised Cost of Storage (LCOS). This integrated approach provides the tools and knowledge required to assess and ensure the structural stability, gas tightness and efficient operation of salt caverns under the demanding conditions associated with high-pressure hydrogen storage.
Project Objectives
H2SALT was launched with the aim of developing an innovative solution capable of:
- Understanding and analysing the behaviour and response of salt formations and underground infrastructure when exposed to hydrogen.
- Researching, developing and validating technological solutions involving metallic and tubular materials resistant to hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion.
- Designing control systems and auxiliary facilities for gas compression, cooling, conditioning and purification during injection into and withdrawal from the cavern.
- Developing a techno-economic model to assess the feasibility and Levelised Cost of Storage (LCOS) of large-scale industrial projects.
To achieve these objectives, the project combines advanced technologies and methodologies, including 3D geomechanical analysis and modelling (FLAC3D, 3DEC), purpose-designed laboratory tests to assess permeability and hydrogen-salt reactivity, metallographic characterisation, research into industrial processes, and conceptual design of hydrogen injection and withdrawal systems.
Key Results
The project has made significant progress towards the development of an integrated solution incorporating:
- A geological modelling module for structural simulation of the cavern and prediction of the behaviour, diffusion and evolution of confined hydrogen.
- Conceptual designs for tubular injection and withdrawal systems adapted to the mechanical loads and environmental conditions within the cavern.
- Specifications and designs for the auxiliary and control systems required for safe gas conditioning and handling at surface facilities.
- Validated testing methodologies and characterisation of salt rock formations based on the reinterpretation of historical borehole records from the IGME Core Repository.
TEAM Group Engineering’s participation in H2SALT reinforces its commitment to developing innovative technological solutions that support the energy transition, industrial decarbonisation and the sustainability of critical infrastructure for renewable energy storage.
Project Information
- Project: H2SALT
- Consortium: TEAM INGENIERÍA Y CONSULTORÍA S.L., TUBACEX TUBOS INOXIDABLES S.A.U., TUBOS REUNIDOS GROUP S.L.U., TAMOIN S.L.U., IBERDROLA CLIENTES S.A.U., Energy Cluster Association (ACE) and SIDEREX.
- Project Location: Basque Country, Spain.
- Project Duration: 1 July 2022 – 31 March 2026.
- Total Project Budget: €2,380,408.
- Funding Awarded: €1,663,190.
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