| Large-scale underground hydrogen storage (UHS) is emerging as a key enabler for balancing renewable energy supply and demand. Yet many regions lack the suitable geology needed for conventional UHS. HyCavern responds to this gap by developing cost-effective, safe, and standardized solutions for H2 storage in mined, lined rock caverns (LRC). By tackling key technical, economic, and geological challenges, HyCavern unlocks scalable hydrogen infrastructure in areas previously considered unsuitable and increase the lifespan of storage caverns. The project will: - Mitigate cyclic load- and hydrogen-specific risks - such as embrittlement, fatigue, and leakage - through advanced material innovations (steel, concrete) and predictive modeling for long-term performance. - Automate cavern construction and maintenance with a mobile robotic system that combines laser welding and coating, reducing personnel costs, increasing safety, and enabling in-situ repairs. - Adapt cavern designs to diverse European lithologies by integrating geomechanical/geochemical experiments, large-scale validations, and advanced simulations. - Implement conformance-based monitoring tools to detect early deviations from safe operational parameters and support proactive risk management. - Quantify economic value across storage use cases through comprehensive techno-economic analysis, highlighting key requirements for the technology’s competitiveness and identifying cost drivers. - Conduct techno-economic analyses across diverse storage use cases to quantify the economic benefits for each application while identifying key requirements for the technology’s competitiveness. - Deliver a practical, replicable guideline tool to assist Storage System Operators (SSOs) in fast-tracking preliminary feasibility assessments and identifying LRC potential across Europe. By reducing storage costs and enhancing energy security, HyCavern directly supports Europe’s transition to a resilient, decarbonized energy system. |
- Reference
- 101251372
- Project duration
- 1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2028
- Project locations
- Austria
- EU contribution
- €4 989 022
- Project website
- Cordis
Stakeholders
Coordinators
HYCENTA RESEARCH GMBH
- Address
- Austria