Partnering to enable safe hydrogen storage in salt caverns in Cantabria
Solvay and Enagás have signed an agreement to develop a hydrogen storage hub in Polanco, Cantabria. The project will leverage Solvay's proven expertise in developing salt caverns infrastructure - originally created for soda ash production operations and repurposed into storage under the coordination of Enagás, which brings its expertise in energy transport and hydrogen infrastructure to integrate this capacity into Spain’s future energy system.
This initiative supports Spain’s ambition to become a key producer and exporter of renewable hydrogen. The caverns will provide a safe, flexible, and scalable solution for storing renewable hydrogen - supporting the network stability and helping address renewable electricity intermittency.
“This collaboration with Enagás underscores the European chemical industry’s strategic role in enabling clean energy solutions,” said Etienne Galan, President of Solvay’s Soda Ash and Derivatives business. “We're especially grateful to partner with Enagás, whose proven infrastructure expertise and strong commitment are accelerating green hydrogen development.”
Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo emphasized that "this agreement is a key milestone in the development of Spain's hydrogen backbone," adding that "by combining our experience in energy infrastructure with Solvay's industrial capabilities, we are laying the foundations for a robust and flexible hydrogen network that will help achieve both national and European decarbonization goals and boost competitiveness".
The project, developed in coordination with local stakeholders, strengthens Solvay’s position as a leading provider of salt cavern infrastructure in Europe - building on its legacy of over 100 caverns in Germany and now expanding into Spain.
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Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay has harrnessed the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. Solvay’s unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition. As a world-leading company with €4.7 billion in net sales in 2024, Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB). For more information about Solvay, please visit solvay.com or follow Solvay on Linkedin.
Enagás is an international leader in the development, maintenance, and operation of energy infrastructure. As the Technical Manager of the Spanish Gas System, Enagás is responsible for ensuring the continuity and security of natural gas supply across Spain. The company operates over 12,000 km of gas pipelines, manages regasification plants, and provides storage and transmission services. Enagás is also at the forefront of the energy transition, with a strong commitment to decarbonization and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. With a presence in multiple countries and a workforce of over 1,300 professionals, Enagás combines innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence to deliver critical energy solutions. For more information, visit enagas.es.