Dutch gas infrastructure company Gasunie will offer hydrogen storage capacity in an open season process starting on 15 June as it looks to line up customers to use salt caverns it is developing at Zuidwending in Groningen.

The capacity on offer consists of a bundle with three components: injection, transmission and storage. Gasunie subsidiary Hystock, which is running the open the season process, is requesting financial guarantees from market parties, with the intention of offering a binding contract, the company says. Gasunie did not specify the volume of storage on offer.

The first salt cavern is expected to be operational in 2028, with a further three scheduled to start up in 2030.

2028 – First salt cavern expected to be operational

“Hystock can offer these market participants certainty for their available capacity. Moreover, Hystock needs the commitment to make investment decisions that match market demand,” the company says.

The first results of the open season will be announced in the summer.

Gasunie has also launched an online platform designed to match up hydrogen supply and demand. The platform, called Match & Connect, allows buyers and sellers to contact each other and agree terms. Deals are then concluded bilaterally with no involvement by the platform. Trials have seen market participants from seven countries use the platform, Gasunie says.

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Author: Stuart Penson