H2 compatibility of UT steels - phase 2

The aim of the project is to find out whether and if so which (and if so, under which conditions) steels are suitable for deep drilling to API for hydrogen. In the 1st phase of the project the integrity assessment method was developed. In the 2nd phase of the project the comprehensive investigation program based on the findings of the 1st phase (DGMK 866 Phase 1) will be carried out.
These measures will close a gap in the existing knowledge on underground completion, especially of UGS for hydrogen storage, and provide operators with certainty for a possible conversion to hydrogen

To achieve the climate targets, there is political consensus on the central role of hydrogen use in all sectors. The storage of hydrogen is the basic prerequisite for sector coupling, because centralized energy storage in underground storage facilities (UGS) enables hydrogen to be stored in a secure and long-term manner. Due to the highly fluctuating production of hydrogen from various sources and the equally expected highly fluctuating demand, UGS will play a central role in the future energy system.

The necessary conversion measures of existing underground gas storage facilities to the medium hydrogen or also the storage of natural gas-hydrogen mixtures makes special demands on the technical equipment (well completion), which have not yet been sufficiently investigated in several aspects.

Preparation of test specimens and performance of temperature screening.