26.10.2021

Gas Storage: Start for Chameleon of the Energy Transition

INES, the Association of Gas and Hydrogen Storage System Operators, has got a new name. To live up to the relevance of gas and hydrogen storage for the energy transition, the association from now on operates under the name Initiative Energien Speichern (Initiative to Store Energies). INES points out: Gas storage adapts to the demands of the energy transition.

On October 13, 2021, INES members unanimously decided to rename INES to “Initiative Energien Speichern e.V. (INES)” at their General Assembly. The abbreviation INES remains.

Start for Chameleon of the Energy Transition

Following developments of the energy transition, the gas storage economy changes rapidly. Next to storing natural gas, other energy carriers such as hydrogen become more important. Accompanying its members, the association changes as well. INES statutes had been changed already at the General Assembly in April 2021 as to allow for hydrogen storage operators to join the association. This development is now followed by an adequate name.

Sebastian Bleschke, Management Director at INES, explains the process: “We sense an enormous amount of enthusiasm about the future in our branch. We don’t only believe in a carbon-neutral future, our member companies also take an important part in reaching that goal. Gas storage adapt to the demands of the energy transition – just like a chameleon. They combine the target triangle of the energy transition with animalic flexibility.”

A challenging, but important path lies ahead

Following the path to a carbon-neutral future, gas and hydrogen storage system operators have to overcome a couple of obstacles. To reach Germany’s climate protection targets it will not only be necessary to convert existing gas storage facilities into hydrogen storage, but we will also see completely new storage sites. Legislators can pave the way for the sector. INES put essential aspects that need to be adsressed during the upcoming legislative term into a nine-point-plan:

1. Funding for the development of hydrogen infrastructure and production
2. Cross-sectoral revision of levies and fees
3. Use of market-based instruments to reduce network construction needs
4. An integrated scenario framework for a cross-sectoral network development
5. Adaptive regulation of hydrogen infrastructure
6. Introduction of a certification of all energy carriers
7. Development of network tariffs according to principle of causation
8. A more effective simulation of competition for transport system operators
9. Effective measures to ensure a secure gas supply

Sebastian Bleschke elaborates: „Our plan does not only contain fields of action that will move things forward for the energy transition, it also helps gas and hydrogen storage to develop into their new roles as energy transition storage.”

Downloads:

INES-Nine-Point-Plan (PDF, in German)
INES Logo (JPG)
INES Press Release (PDF)

Read Press Release in German