Underground Hydrogen Storage: Together, we continue to build the Hydrogen Value Chain

Today we are taking an important step in the further development of the energy system of the future. During the Wind Meets Gas event at the Martinikerk in Groningen, Willemien Terpstra, CEO of Gasunie, received the DAEB designation from Minister Stientje van Veldhoven. This marks a significant milestone for HyStock and for the development of the Netherlands’ first large-scale underground hydrogen storage facility.

The designation as a DAEB (Service of General Economic Interest) is more than just a milestone for the project. It demonstrates that the government views underground hydrogen storage as an essential component of the future energy system. With the DAEB designation, the government is creating the conditions to make the first storage facility possible and is helping to mitigate the start-up risks associated with developing a new market and new energy infrastructure. These include uncertainties surrounding the development of the hydrogen market, the costs of buffer gas, and the utilization of the storage facility.

A future-proof energy system requires more than just the production of renewable energy. In addition to offshore wind, hydrogen production, infrastructure, and industrial applications, storage is also indispensable. Only then can we make renewable energy available when industry and society need it.

With HyStock, we are working on that crucial link in the hydrogen chain. Underground hydrogen storage provides flexibility, security of supply, and a more robust energy system. Today’s ceremony therefore marks not only a project milestone but also the next step in building an integrated Dutch and European hydrogen system.