INES Joins "H2eart for Europe" as a Partner Association in Advancing Underground Hydrogen Storage and Addressing Urgent Flexibility Needs

As a strategic partner, INES brings invaluable expertise and a wealth of experience, representing over 90 percent of German gas storage capacities and approximately one-quarter of the gas storage capacities in the European Union. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organisations to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable energy storage solutions, and advancing the important role UHS can play in providing short- and long-term flexibility for the European energy system.

Currently, an acceleration of UHS projects is urgently needed because, different studies show a big gap between identified flexibility needs and currently planned project pipeline for 2030. This gap seems to be even wider considering it takes several years to develop Underground Hydrogen Storages.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

Flexibility Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Both "H2eart for Europe" and INES emphasise that the increasing utilisation of intermittently produced renewable energy sources (RES) increases the energy system’s need for flexibility, and acknowledge that UHS can play a key role in providing both short- and long-term energy storage.

European Thought-Leadership: With INES as a key partner, "H2eart for Europe" strengthens its leadership position in driving the UHS agenda within the European energy landscape. Through coordinated efforts, INES and "H2eart for Europe" aim to promote a deeper understanding of these technologies as integral components of a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Advocacy: Together, INES and "H2eart for Europe" will actively engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders, advocating for a supportive market framework that fosters the growth of Underground Hydrogen Storage.

Quotes

Michael Schmöltzer, Co-Chairperson "H2eart for Europe": "INES brings a breadth of experience to our alliance. Together, we are committed to accelerate the development and adoption of Underground Hydrogen Storage, contributing to Europe's energy transition and achieving our ambitious decarbonization goals."
Sebastian Heinermann, INES Managing Director, comments: “H2eart for Europe presents the challenges hydrogen storage operators in Europe have to overcome. Policy makers and the storage system operators have to work together, to bring the deeply needed Hydrogen Storages to life and so make a successful energy transition possible. H2eart for Europe can play a key role in this engagement.”

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