Requested reservations for a hydrogen storage “Open Season” in the Netherlands have “far outbid” the offered capacity of 216GWh, HyStock has revealed.
As the Netherlands looks to become more sustainable, hydrogen is set to play an increasingly important role. However, a mismatch between demand and supply has led to the need for large-scale storage. In Zuidwending, HyStock has been developing salt caverns that could be used for hydrogen storage. There are 10 locations in total, six of which are already being used for natural gas, leaving four being explored for hydrogen.
HyStock, therefore, launched an “Open Season” on 15 June, offering bundles of capacity made up of three components – a fixed composition of injection, withdrawal and storage capacity. By asking market participants to reserve capacity now, HyStock explained it can offer certainty for available capacity and also make investment decisions that match up with market demand.
Considering the “ample interest” and way in which bids received have exceeded available capacity, HyStock has now announced plans for an auction. This will ensure capacity can be allocated “fairly and transparently”. The first hydrogen cavern is expected to be commissioned in 2028, before the other three follow in 2030.
