Next stage of funding awarded for project on hydrogen storage potential in the East Midlands

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.