EWE Awards Bilfinger Contract for Huntorf Hydrogen Storage
Bilfinger will install its H2Dry drying system for EWE's 16 million cubic meter cavern conversion in Germany.
Key points
- Bilfinger will install its H2Dry absorption drying technology in EWE's 16 million cubic meter Huntorf cavern.
- The facility conversion is targeted for completion by 2028 and connects to Germany's hydrogen pipeline backbone.
- Neuman & Esser supplies two compressors for the site, while Bilfinger also works on EWE's 320MW Emden project.
EWE has appointed engineering firm Bilfinger to deliver a hydrogen treatment system for its underground storage facility in Huntorf, Germany. The project involves converting a decommissioned 16 million cubic meter natural gas cavern into a hydrogen storage site, with completion targeted for 2028.
Bilfinger is responsible for engineering, installing, and commissioning its H2Dry large-scale absorption drying technology. This system removes moisture from hydrogen to prevent corrosion of infrastructure and equipment. It represents the first commercial-scale deployment of this specific technology.
Infrastructure specifications and compressor supply
The facility will connect to Germany's hydrogen pipeline backbone, enabling hydrogen production during low-cost renewable energy periods and utilization during high demand. Neuman & Esser will supply two hydrogen compressors to facilitate high-pressure injection and withdrawal operations.
Part of broader Clean Hydrogen Coastline initiative
Launched in 2025, the project falls under EWE’s Clean Hydrogen Coastline initiative. This infrastructure program focuses on north-west Germany and has been recognized as an Important Project of Common European Interest. Bilfinger is also providing steelwork, piping, and component assembly for EWE’s separate 320MW green hydrogen project in Emden.
Geological constraints drive storage research
Salt caverns remain the leading solution for underground hydrogen storage but are limited by regional geology. In June, Sintef launched a three-year, EU-funded R&D project to develop storage technologies for regions lacking suitable salt cavern conditions. Several EU pilot projects are currently operating to prove the transition of former gas sites to hydrogen use, as reported by gasworld.com.
