This collaboration will repurpose Solvay's existing salt caverns for safe and scalable renewable hydrogen storage.
Solvay and Enagás announced today a landmark agreement to establish a hydrogen storage facility in Polanco, Cantabria. The innovative project will leverage Solvay's extensive expertise in developing and managing salt cavern infrastructure, originally designed for soda ash production, and repurpose them for the safe and efficient storage of renewable hydrogen. Enagás, with its profound knowledge in energy transport and hydrogen infrastructure, will play a crucial role in integrating this new storage capacity into Spain's evolving energy system.
This joint initiative is a direct response to Spain's ambitious goals of becoming a leading producer and exporter of renewable hydrogen. The converted salt caverns are set to provide a highly flexible, secure, and scalable solution for storing green hydrogen, which is essential for ensuring grid stability and mitigating the intermittency inherent in renewable electricity sources like solar and wind. The ability to store large volumes of hydrogen underground offers a vital buffer, allowing for a consistent energy supply even when renewable generation fluctuates.
Etienne Galan, President of Solvay’s Soda Ash and Derivatives business, highlighted the broader implications of this partnership. "This collaboration with Enagás underscores the European chemical industry’s strategic role in enabling clean energy solutions," Galan stated. He further expressed gratitude for partnering with Enagás, whose "proven infrastructure expertise and strong commitment are accelerating green hydrogen development." This sentiment reflects the growing recognition of how traditional industrial sectors can pivot and contribute significantly to the new energy landscape.
Arturo Gonzalo, CEO of Enagás, echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing the project's strategic importance for Spain. "This agreement is a key milestone in the development of Spain's hydrogen backbone," Gonzalo affirmed. He added that by "combining our experience in energy infrastructure with Solvay's industrial capabilities, we are laying the foundations for a robust and flexible hydrogen network that will help achieve both national and European decarbonization goals and boost competitiveness." This highlights the synergistic nature of the partnership, bringing together distinct but complementary strengths.
The project is being developed in close coordination with local stakeholders, underscoring a commitment to community engagement and responsible development. For Solvay, this venture further solidifies its position as a leading provider of salt cavern infrastructure across Europe. Building upon a robust legacy of managing over 100 salt caverns in Germany, this expansion into Spain marks a significant geographical and strategic advancement for the company in the realm of underground energy storage.
