Vallourec launches a Hydrogen Storage Revolution

allourec, a leading pipe manufacturer, unveils a vertical hydrogen storage prototype, a major innovation for the decarbonization industry.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

Vallourec, a specialist in seamless pipes for the oil and gas industry, recently presented a revolutionary prototype for the vertical storage of hydrogen gas. This innovation, described as unique in the world, is the fruit of Vallourec’s know-how and aims to fill a gap in hydrogen storage on a global scale.

Prototype features

The prototype, unveiled at Vallourec’s Aulnoye-Aymeries plant, consists of columns of vertical tubes 20 meters high, designed to be watertight and resistant to hydrogen-induced corrosion. This design responds to the challenges posed by the small molecular size of hydrogen gas, which tends to leak and create ignition or explosion risks.

Green Hydrogen and Industrial Decarbonization

Green hydrogen is essential for replacing fossil fuels in heavy industry and certain means of transport. At present, hydrogen is mainly produced from methane, but the future lies in green hydrogen obtained from water electrolysis.

Advantages of Vertical Storage

Vincent Designolle, the group’s hydrogen manager, points out that the system will enable pipes to be laid at depths of up to 100 meters, offering a reduced footprint and adapting to constrained industrial sites. The current demonstrator can store 150 kg of hydrogen gas, with the potential to expand to 100 tonnes.

Safety and Innovation

The system is validated by the Norwegian DNV industrial risk control organization, thanks to a system of sensors and continuous ventilation. Four patents have been filed, testifying to Vallourec’s ongoing innovation in this field.

Impact on the Hydrogen Market

With growing worldwide demand for hydrogen, particularly in Europe, the United States, Brazil and the Middle East, Vallourec anticipates a rapid fall in the cost of its storage equipment, similar to that seen for solar panels.

Vallourec’s transition to non-fossil fuel applications

Vallourec, whose business is currently based mainly on the oil and gas industry, is aiming for 10-15% of its earnings to come from “non-fossil” applications by 2030. This strategic pivot towards hydrogen is part of a broader industry trend towards sustainability and decarbonization.

Vallourec’s vertical hydrogen storage prototype represents a significant breakthrough in the field of green hydrogen, offering an innovative and secure solution for storing gaseous hydrogen. This development marks a turning point for Vallourec in its commitment to energy transition and industrial decarbonization.

Endua, an Australian technology company, has received $4.88mn in public funding to strengthen its capacity to produce modular hydrogen electrolysers, supporting the expansion of local supply chains and industrial development within the hydrogen sector.
HydrogenXT secures a $900mn agreement with Kell Kapital Partners Limited to develop the first ten local zero-carbon blue hydrogen plants along key logistics corridors in the United States.
Elogen completes delivery of a 2.5 MW proton exchange membrane electrolyser for the Baseload Power Hub, linked to the Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind farm and operated by CrossWind joint venture.
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures joins forces with Envision Energy for the H2 Cumbuco project, aiming for a 500MW green ammonia plant targeting Brazilian, European, and Asian markets.
Element 2 strengthens its partnership with HRS to install a mobile hydrogen station in Glasgow, as part of its expansion strategy for its refuelling network in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Global hydrogen development, supported by more than 1,500 ongoing projects and significant investments, is driving strong demand for insurance coverage, with potential estimated at over USD3bn in annual premiums by 2030.
ArcelorMittal Brazil begins a collaboration with Utility Global to develop a clean hydrogen project using the patented H2Gen system, aimed at producing up to 3 tons per day at the Juiz de Fora plant.
ENERTRAG announces the acquisition of a plot in Prenzlau to install a 130 megawatt green hydrogen production unit, with a planned investment of €300 mn, thereby supporting the regional economy and local industrial sector.
H2APEX Group SCA has completed a EUR30mn ($32.5mn) capital increase to finance the acquisition of HH2E Werk Lubmin GmbH and support the development of its hydrogen project in Germany. —
Next Hydrogen launches the largest onsite clean hydrogen production and distribution station in Ontario, capable of supplying up to 650 kg per day for powering fuel cell forklifts.
A 5,500-horsepower harbour vessel was bunkered with green ammonia at the Dalian terminal, marking the creation of a full value chain for this fuel and a technical milestone for the maritime sector.
Air Liquide begins construction of the ELYgator electrolyser in Rotterdam, a 200 MW project, supported by the Dutch government and an investment exceeding €500 mn.
A pilot project in Germany aims to produce green hydrogen at sea directly from untreated seawater on offshore wind farms, using marine bacteria and robust materials.
BP withdraws from the Australian Renewable Energy Hub, a major renewable hydrogen and ammonia project in the Pilbara region, marking a new stage for energy investments in Australia.
Next Hydrogen raises CAD1.5mn from its management and a commercial lender to strengthen its cash flow and retain teams, while maintaining its review of financial and strategic solutions.
The first European citizen funding campaign dedicated to green hydrogen enabled Lhyfe to collect €2.5mn from nearly 1,200 investors, strengthening the development of new sites in France and Germany.
In the face of renewable energy intermittency, Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power (PtP) technology could revolutionize energy storage. However, its adoption still depends on cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
South Korean company YPP and Kazakh Invest have signed a framework agreement for the development of a green hydrogen production project in Kazakhstan, with investments potentially reaching $3.1 billion.
The Dutch government has granted major funding to HyCC for its H2eron electrolysis project, aimed at producing renewable hydrogen in the Delfzijl industrial zone.
ACWA Power has signed several agreements with European partners to develop a green energy export chain between Saudi Arabia and Europe, as part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project.
Consent Preferences