The Hycavern project has officially launched with 15 European partners to develop underground hydrogen storage using lined rock caverns. Coordinated by SINTEF Industry, the project aims to create scalable and geographically adaptable storage solutions for regions without suitable geological formations for conventional storage. Over three years, the consortium will work on advanced steel liners, low-carbon concrete, digital twins, and real-time monitoring to reduce hydrogen embrittlement and leakage risks. Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in balancing renewable energy supply and demand while supporting industrial decarbonization across Europe. The project includes a GIS-based site selection toolkit and techno-economic assessments to help deploy storage in diverse locations. Partners include SINTEF, University of Oxford, TU Delft, Baker Hughes, and Deloitte, with funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. If successful, Hycavern could unlock hydrogen storage potential in areas currently limited by geology.
