VTT, GTK, and various industrial partner organisations are spearheading a groundbreaking research initiative titled Hydrogen UnderGround (HUG), focusing on the underground storage of hydrogen. With Finland prioritising the development of its national hydrogen industry, large-scale hydrogen storage research emerges as a pivotal advancement. This venture marks Finland’s inaugural public hydrogen storage endeavour of such magnitude.
Recognised as integral components of the green hydrogen value chain, hydrogen underground storages are vital for balancing hydrogen production and demand. As companies increasingly rely on green hydrogen, the stability of its supply becomes imperative. Traditional above-ground storage methods, akin to those used for natural gas, prove impractical due to cost and safety concerns. Preliminary assessments endorse underground storage as the most cost-effective and secure option on a large scale. Given Finland’s lack of natural ground formations suitable for gas storage, the HUG project focuses on engineered gas storage solutions.
Over a two-year span, the project unites 16 esteemed partners, with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the Geological Survey of Finland GTK assuming pivotal roles in project coordination and research activities.
Pasi Valkokari from VTT and Teemu Lindqvist from GTK, project managers of HUG, elucidate the project’s overarching objective, stating, “The HUG project aims to establish the groundwork for a large-scale hydrogen storage concept within the Finnish hydrogen business and technology ecosystem. Additionally, the project seeks to forge pathways for ongoing research, inviting partner companies to contribute to continual advancements in the field.”
Co-funded by Business Finland, the project forms part of Neste’s and Valmet’s Veturi ecosystems.
Antti Pohjoranta, representing Neste’s renewable hydrogen & Power-to-X innovation business platforms, underscores the significance of Project HUG in advancing the national hydrogen industry. “Hydrogen is integral to Neste’s refinery processes, and we are committed to propelling the national hydrogen industry forward. Project HUG offers invaluable support towards this objective. Leveraging the collaborative strength of our Veturi ecosystem, we aim to unite industry and academic stakeholders, pooling collective expertise and resources.”
Juha-Pekka Jalkanen, director of process automation at Valmet, affirms the project’s importance in addressing critical automation technology queries essential for hydrogen storage and the broader hydrogen production and consumption ecosystem. “The HUG research project seeks to address vital automation technology questions crucial not only for hydrogen storage but also for the entire hydrogen value chain. This endeavour aligns with Valmet’s Beyond Circularity R&D programme and ecosystem, designed to facilitate our customer industries’ transition to carbon neutrality and facilitate the green transition.”
For more information visit www.vttresearch.com
