Natural gas–hydrogen blends: How can we assess the impact of up to 10% H₂ on existing storage facilities?

The gradual introduction of hydrogen into gas networks raises new questions for storage operators. Insight into a pre-feasibility approach to anticipate the technical impacts of a natural gas–hydrogen blend, up to 10% hydrogen.Insight into a pre-feasibility approach to anticipate the technical impacts of a natural gas–hydrogen blend, up to 10% hydrogen.

Interview with Marc Perreaux, geosciences expert at Storengy

Question: More and more operators are considering the introduction of hydrogen into their infrastructure. What kind of needs are emerging today ?
M.P. : Many storage operators are asking themselves the same question: how can they adapt their existing storage facilities to the changing gas mix without compromising the safety, performance or sustainability of the installations? In this context, assessing natural gas–hydrogen blends in limited proportions is often a first step.

Question: Why carry out a pre-feasibility study before going any further ?
M.P. : Because it is essential to have an objective and structured view of the technical impacts before any decision is made. A pre-feasibility study enables us to identify areas requiring attention, prioritise risks and determine the conditions under which such a mixture could be considered.

Stockage gaz naturel

Question: How does Storengy tackle this kind of issue ?
M.P. : Our approach involves covering the entire technical scope, from the subsurface to surface facilities. The aim is to assess the impact of increasing the proportion of hydrogen in the gas – up to 10% in this study – and to identify mitigation measures to manage the effects.

Question: In practical terms, how is such a project structured ?
M.P.: We adopt a phased approach, comprising several complementary stages:

  • Geological and reservoir modelling, to establish reliable calculation bases
  • Design of laboratory tests and/or pilot schemes, tailored to the study’s objectives (hydrogen injection, tracers, etc.)
  • Analysis of impacts on wells and surface facilities
  • Implementation and monitoring of pilot systems to collect field data
  • Integration of results and model recalibration, to consolidate the findings

This structure ensures that decisions are sound at every stage.

Question: What is the benefit of combining studies and pilot schemes ?
M.P. : It allows us to adjust a purely theoretical approach to real-world measurements to improve its predictive power, whilst remaining within a controlled framework. It is a key tool for objectively evaluating technical choices and preparing for the next stages.

Question: How does this type of project illustrate the services offered by Storengy ?
M.P. : It is a good example of our ability to support operators in the face of structural changes in the gas sector. We work on complex projects, combining subsurface expertise, plant engineering and project management, from the pre-feasibility stage through to the testing and monitoring phases.

Conclusion
Through this type of support, Storengy puts its expertise at the service of storage operators to anticipate the gradual integration of hydrogen, with a focus on the safety, performance and sustainability of infrastructure.