Next stage of funding awarded for project on hydrogen storage potential in the East Midlands
BGS will conduct essential studies on hydrogen behaviour in the subsurface to predict, measure and monitor underground hydrogen storage.
17/10/2024 By BGS Press
Following a successful bid, the East Midlands Storage (EMStor) consortium has been awarded strategic innovation funding from Ofgem, building on work delivered during the earlier discovery phase. In this alpha phase, the consortium includes the original partners Cadent (lead partner), BGS, Edinburgh University and Star Energy Group, now joined by Centrica Storage, Uniper and National Gas.
The discovery phase assessed a range of different geological storage options in the East Midlands. Storage in repurposed onshore hydrocarbon fields was identified as the leading hydrogen storage option. The discovery phase also showed that hydrogen storage is a vital component to any future hydrogen system in the East Midlands to ensure energy security, resilience and affordability. The development of hydrogen storage in repurposed hydrocarbon fields must be done in tandem with the development of hydrogen production, such as at Uniper’s Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station and Cadent’s hydrogen network.
The EMStor alpha phase will further develop knowledge by advancing understanding of:
- decisions on next steps and future phasing
- public perception of hydrogen storage
- technical aspects of underground hydrogen storage, such as geological feasibility and well-integrity assessment
- approaches to regulatory, permitting and planning for potential demonstration
A dissemination event will be held in spring 2025 to detail findings and outline next steps.
We’re delighted to have secured this funding so that we can continue to break new ground in onshore hydrogen storage. The ultimate aim is to increase the technology readiness level of storage of hydrogen in disused hydrocarbon fields by demonstrating that it works, by 2030. Local geological stores of hydrogen in the East Midlands will allow a much more rapid deployment of our hydrogen pipeline network and mean that more customers can switch away from natural gas and decarbonise more quickly.
Sally Brewis, head of regional development, Cadent.
BGS will conduct essential tests on how the hydrogen may behave in the subsurface, including how hydrogen interacts with the environment and reservoir rock, so that we can more accurately predict, measure and monitor underground hydrogen storage.
BGS is excited to be working with our EMStor partners on developing underground hydrogen storage in the East Midlands. Underground hydrogen storage will help provide energy security and ensure the supply of renewable and low-carbon energy to local businesses throughout the energy transition.
Through Project EMStor, we hope that to raise the technology readiness level and prove the scientific case for underground hydrogen storage in porous rocks.
Edward Hough, research lead in underground energy storage, BGS.
Relative topics
Related news

Extended seabed geology map of the Bristol Channel published
07/10/2025
BGS has released significantly extended high-resolution maps that will support offshore green-energy initiatives in the area.

Dr Angela Lamb appointed as honorary professor by the University of Nottingham
02/10/2025
Dr Lamb will take up the position of honorary professor of environmental geochemistry, with a focus on collaborative research.

New report sets pathway to reduce the impacts of geohazards in one of the world’s most hazard-prone nations
30/09/2025
A new White Paper, co-developed by Indonesian and UK hazard experts, presents a strategic roadmap to significantly reduce the impacts of geological hazards in Indonesia.

Artificial intelligence helps scientists identify 3000 moving slopes potentially at risk of landslide
25/09/2025
A new approach that combines AI and satellite data has been used by scientists to detect actively moving landslides at a national scale.

New BGS GeoIndex viewer released for user testing
24/09/2025
The premium map-viewing application has been given a major upgrade and made available as a beta release.

UK scientists in awe-rora as national coverage of magnetic field complete for the first time
23/09/2025
New sensors being installed across the UK are helping us understand the effects that extreme magnetic storms have on technology and national infrastructure.

Funding awarded for study on hydrogen storage potential in North Yorkshire
22/09/2025
A new study has been awarded funding to explore the potential for underground hydrogen storage near the Knapton power plant.

BGS-led paper scoops prestigious award
16/09/2025
New research providing earlier warnings of landslides has been awarded the British Geotechnical Association medal.

Why do we store geological core?
11/09/2025
With space at a premium and the advance of new digitisation techniques, why does retaining over 600 km of physical specimens remain of national importance?

New seabed sediment maps reveal what lies beneath the waves
03/09/2025
Marine ecosystem science and offshore infrastructure will be boosted by a new dataset showing sediment composition across the UK continental shelf.

New geological ‘pathways’ discovered beneath Welsh capital
02/09/2025
Scientists have discovered cavities in the clay underneath Cardiff, which will influence the siting of future geothermal developments.

BGS artificial ground data: what do you need from a geological survey?
28/08/2025
BGS is seeking user feedback on artificial ground data: how you use it, what information you consider, and what we can do to improve our offering.