STORAG ETZEL GmbH, a leading provider of cavern storage facilities, has entered into a partnership with EnBW Etzel Speicher GmbH, a subsidiary of EnBW, to develop and operate large-scale hydrogen storage caverns at the Etzel site. This is a significant step in expanding Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure.

The project includes constructing multiple underground caverns with a combined geometric volume exceeding one million cubic meters. Additionally, EnBW’s subsidiary will have the opportunity to plan a new above ground hydrogen facility within STORAG ETZEL’s premises, further strengthening its presence at the Etzel site, where it already operates a natural gas storage facility.

Strategic Importance for Hydrogen Supply in Europe

The Etzel hydrogen storage site will play a vital role in the North Sea-Benelux corridor, helping power southwest Germany’s energy transition. However, a final investment decision depends on the establishment of a regulatory framework that ensures long-term financial viability.

Peter Bux, Managing Director of EnBW Etzel Speicher GmbH, emphasized the need for political and regulatory support, said, “A final investment decision now requires a regulatory and legal framework that enables the hydrogen storage business model. In particular, securing the initial high investments over the long operating period cannot yet be realised on the market in the foreseeable future.”

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Etzel’s Role in the Hydrogen Market Expansion

Boris Richter, Managing Director of STORAG ETZEL GmbH, highlighted the site’s importance in Europe’s hydrogen strategy, noting that efforts are underway to make the cavern facility “H2-ready by 2027.” Plans include both constructing new caverns and converting existing oil and gas caverns for hydrogen storage.

The Etzel site currently hosts 75 caverns for oil and gas storage, with 24 caverns identified for potential expansion. Two caverns are already undergoing hydrogen storage testing. Thanks to Etzel’s ideal geology, each cavern can hold up to 800,000 cubic meters, storing 200-250 GWh of hydrogen efficiently.

Hydrogen storage will play a vital role in transitioning toward a climate neutral energy system, particularly in supporting industrial decarbonization. STORAG ETZEL and EnBW are building large scale hydrogen storage to ensure a stable, reliable hydrogen market for Germany and Europe’s energy transition.

Etzel’s cavern field has the potential to shape the hydrogen economy, ensuring reliable energy supply while advancing Germany’s sustainability and climate goals.