The installation, the first of its kind in the world, is based on tubes and connections with extensively proven sealing technology and corrosion resistance. The solution is an underground system, capable of storing up to 100 tonnes of hydrogen gas under maximum safety conditions. The system is suitable for green hydrogen producers, users for industrial applications, and heavy mobility.
Vallourec chose its historic Aulnoye-Aymeries site, home to its European industrial base and global R&D centre, to make this breakthrough a reality. Initial in-depth work led to last year’s launch of the project, which involved some thirty experts, and showcases the Group’s different areas of expertise, particularly in threading, heat treatment and non-destructive testing.
To support the commercial development of this storage solution, Vallourec is launching it under a new brand name ‘Delphy’.
This hydrogen storage technology is part of the wider Vallourec® New Energies offering, designed to support the energy transition, including geothermal, carbon sequestration, solar and biomass segments. New Energies’ offerings could contribute between 10% and 15% of Vallourec’s EBITDA by 2030.
Vallourec Group Chairman and CEO Philippe Guillemot commented: “The emerging hydrogen market offers excellent growth prospects. It demonstrates the value of our technologies to the new energy sectors and confirms the Group’s ambition to be a key player in the energy transition and low-carbon economy within the 2050 timeframe.”
Ulrika Wising, SVP Energy Transition and member of Vallourec’s Executive Committee, added: “Our vertical hydrogen storage solution marks an important milestone for Vallourec. This project offers, reliable, modular, and competitive large scale storage capacity. Vallourec offers a unique value proposition for the development of the hydrogen economy.”
