Finland’s Hug Project: Innovative Solution for Storing Green Hydrogen Beneath the Earth

In Finland, researchers are working on developing underground hydrogen storage facilities to support the growth of the future hydrogen industry. The aim is to balance the supply and demand of green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources. This project, known as Hug (Hydrogen Underground), is a joint collaboration between VTT, Geological Research Center GTK, and various industrial organizations.

Finland lacks natural land formations suitable for gas storage, making it impractical to store hydrogen above ground as traditional natural gas is stored. Therefore, the Hug project focuses on researching built gas storages as the most cost-effective and safe option for large-scale storage. The project receives financial support from Business Finland and is part of Neste and Valmet’s Veturi ecosystems.

The goal of this project is to create a reliable infrastructure for the storage of green hydrogen to support the growth of the hydrogen industry in Finland. By investigating underground storage options, the project aims to address challenges and requirements associated with storing hydrogen efficiently and safely on a large scale.

The Hug project highlights the importance of investing in research and development to address energy challenges in Finland and beyond. As countries seek ways to transition to renewable energy sources, developing efficient and cost-effective methods for storing green hydrogen will be crucial for achieving this goal.