Eastern France, at the heart of research into underground formations suitable for hydrogen storage

Storengy, a subsidiary of Engie, has just obtained an exclusive permit to search for natural underground formations suitable for hydrogen storage in the Alsatian subsoil.

A geologically rich Alsatian subsoil. . .

Between Ensisheim and Neuf-Brisach, the Alsatian basement contains an original geological formation linked to its history. In the twentieth century, a whole part of the Upper Rhine was mined for its mines. This century of potash mines led to the organization of many geological prospecting. These made it possible to know more precisely the typology of the Alsatian subsoil. In particular, it confirmed the presence of salt in significant quantities at a depth of several hundred metres. This research also shed light on the existence of diapir (or salt dome).

Several of these diapires have been identified in Alsace, some with impressive dimensions. For example, the one in Meyenheim measures 8,000 meters by 1,200 meters. That of Hettenschlag, rises 1,000 meters above the salt layers in place. As for Ensisheim, the top of the diapir is barely a hundred meters below the ground.

. . . ideal for hydrogen storage.

These sealed domes could provide Alsace with significant potential for hydrogen storage sites.

On 25 June 2024, Storengy, a subsidiary of Engie, was granted a new exclusive licence to search for hydrogen storage cavities. The permit covers an area of 208km2 north of Mulhouse.

Eastern France, at the heart of Europe’s hydrogen networks

These new storage activities will complement the hydrogen transport networks under development in Eastern France.

Among the ongoing projects, the Rhine Hydrogen network (RHYn) is located close to these potential storage spaces. RHYn is a hydrogen pipeline project aimed at promoting Alsace’s hydrogen ecosystem and supporting the decarbonisation of industry and mobility. It should connect the Dessenheim area to the Chalampé-Ottmarsheim industrial site by 2028, as well as the Mulhouse agglomeration for its mobility needs.

Thus, in all areas of application, from production to uses, through distribution and now storage, Eastern France confirms its ambition to make the decarbonized hydrogen sector a priority.

Sources :

Innovation. Engie à la recherche de dômes de sel en Haute Alsace pour stocker l’hydrogène (lalsace.fr)

Rhine Hydrogen network (RHYn) – Vig’Hy (france-hydrogene.org)