As part of the national hydrogen strategy, a hydrogen pipeline will be built between Grenzach-Wyhlen and Waldshut-Tiengen along the High Rhine, which will later be included in the core network. As this pipeline will initially be operated as an isolated network without any further grid connections, the future operator, badenovaNETZE, has commissioned the BERNARD Gruppe to carry out a concept study for an above-ground hydrogen pressure vessel.
This vessel will primarily be used to supply gaseous hydrogen to provide balancing power in the event of a failure of the electrolysers and thus maintain pipeline pressure. Underground storage of hydrogen, for example in caverns, is not possible due to the local geology. The scope of services covers all relevant specialist topics in the early planning phase: from basic evaluation, component selection and system design to safety-related considerations and cost estimates. A particular focus of the study is on security. Due to the high storage volumes of gaseous hydrogen, maximum safety is imperative.
The study demonstrates technical feasibility and serves as a reliable basis for decision-making for the further development of the hydrogen infrastructure on the High Rhine.
Julian Schnitzius, BERNARD Gruppe
