Government confirms importance of hydrogen storage by supporting HyStock

The government has decided to make up to €450 million available for HyStock, the Netherlands’ first large-scale underground hydrogen storage facility. With this decision, the government confirms the strategic importance of hydrogen storage for a future-proof energy system and a well-functioning hydrogen market.

Hydrogen storage is an essential link between the production, transport, and use of hydrogen. Storage makes it possible to balance supply and demand, contributes to security of supply, and supports the further development of the Dutch hydrogen economy.

The scheme is designed to cover a limited number of specific risks associated with a first project of this scale. These include risks related to cushion gas, market demand in the initial years, and potential delays in the permitting process. The scheme is not a general construction subsidy and will only be utilized if these risks actually materialize.

For HyStock, the decision represents an important step in the further development of the Netherlands’ first large-scale hydrogen storage facility. At the same time, the usual studies, evaluation wells, and permitting procedures remain in full force. These processes are assessed separately.

Through HyStock, Gasunie is working to develop the storage capacity needed to integrate hydrogen into the future energy system on a large scale. The cabinet decision underscores that importance and provides a significant boost to the development of the Dutch hydrogen value chain.