ESNL offers position paper molecule storage and letter of support to envoy and House of Representatives
Energy Storage NL (ESNL) met Dec. 9 with Nel Aland, envoy for underground hydrogen storage. During this meeting, ESNL gave her the position paper on molecule storage in the Netherlands handed over. This position paper was prepared in close cooperation with the industry and represents the shared vision and input of various stakeholders. In addition, a Letter of Support underground hydrogen storage was presented to Lower House Committee on Climate and Green Growth on January 14.
The added value of molecule storage
In a sustainable energy system, molecule storage is essential to handle fluctuations in energy generation and use. It provides long-term storage capabilities that are crucial for balancing the hydrogen market, especially during periods of low energy production such as "dunkelflaute.
Main advantages of molecule storage are balancing energy markets, long-term storage capacity necessary for a fully sustainable electricity system, strategic emergency supply, economic opportunities due to strategic location of the Netherlands and strategic independence by being less dependent on fossil sources from specific countries.
Challenges for molecule storage in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has great potential for molecule storage, but the sector is hampered by funding problems, bureaucracy, poor infrastructure and public support. Uniform guidelines, investment in infrastructure and clear government communication are essential to address these challenges and develop the market.
Recommendations for accelerating sustainable molecule storage
Accelerating molecule storage requires clear policy choices, financial support, simplified permits and improved infrastructure. These steps will help the Netherlands achieve the energy transition and strengthen its position as a hydrogen hub. The position paper's recommendation are listed below:
- Establish minimum energy storage requirements (2030-2050).
- Invest in storage, transmission and conversion infrastructure.
- Simplify permit procedures with uniform national guidelines.
- Customized safety requirements and long-term guidelines in the PGS series.
- Financial support for developers with guarantees and grants.
- Introduce long-term purchase guarantees and tax incentives.
- Research on blending and construction of separated hydrogen pipelines.
- Establishment of a center of excellence for storage technologies.
Plea for hydrogen storage in salt caverns
ESNL also called attention to underground molecule storage in salt caverns in its conversation with Nel Aland. To this end, 11 key players in the hydrogen value chain, including Nobian and ESNL, prepared and handed over a letter of support to accelerate the development of underground hydrogen storage in the Netherlands. The signatories of the letter call on the Dutch government to further explore the possibilities for underground hydrogen storage through the Dutch Climate Fund. Click here To read the entire letter of support.
