Great potential for H2 storage in Bavaria

04.03.2026

Source: E & M powernews

The "SpeicherCHeck" study is investigating the potential of southern German pore storage facilities for hydrogen storage. Initial results are now available.

The "SpeicherCHeck" study by the Technical University of Munich and the University of Leoben (Austria) estimates the static hydrogen storage potential in the Bavarian Molasse Basin at 12.6 to 25.2 TWh. The study is based on an evaluation of the oil and gas volumes extracted from 58 reservoirs.

On this basis, the pore space released by extraction was determined and mathematically filled with hydrogen under storage conditions. In addition, an initial estimate of saline aquifers and simple economic considerations were made.

The range of potential depends on the assumed proportion of working gas. 96 percent of the total potential, excluding saline aquifers, is accounted for by the 25 largest reservoirs. 95 percent of the capacity is located in the south-eastern part of the Molasse Basin.

At 39 percent, the largest share is accounted for by five active natural gas reservoirs, while a further 37 percent is accounted for by 27 depleted gas reservoirs. The active natural gas pore storage facilities alone have a potential of five to ten TWh and thus a significant share of the nationwide hydrogen storage potential.

The values shown are to be understood as static storage capacities and are subject to uncertainties. They do not reflect cyclical operating modes, geochemical interactions or detailed economic issues. Nevertheless, the study points to the potential of porous formations for underground hydrogen storage. In particular, the existing natural gas pore storage facilities are considered to be well studied, infrastructurally developed and tested in terms of storage technology.

The full study report "Static storage capacities for H2 in hydrocarbon reservoirs and gas storage facilities. Final report on work package 1 of the R&D project SpeicherCHeck - Part 1: Hydrogen" is available on the website of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Author: Katia Meyer-Tien