Title: Underground hydrogen storage: Midway insights from the HyDRA project
Speaker: Martin Fernø is Professor at the University of Bergen, Deputy Director of CSSR, and Coordinator of the HyDRA project. His research focuses on reservoir physics, CO₂ storage and underground hydrogen storage.
Date: 02.10.2026
Below are the key highlights from the webinar, including a short summary designed for our non-technical audience.
🔬 Scientific summary
Understanding microbial and geochemical risks in underground hydrogen storage
The HyDRA project has reached its midpoint and is developing the scientific basis for safe and efficient underground hydrogen storage in porous geological formations across Europe.
Key achievements include the development of an open-access database covering approximately 130 European underground gas storage sites, collection of representative rock and formation-water samples, and harmonisation of experimental methods across project partners. The project has demonstrated that naturally occurring microorganisms can consume hydrogen under storage conditions, with microbial hydrogen consumption detected in several reservoir samples. Results show that microbial activity varies significantly between sites and is strongly influenced by geological, geochemical and environmental conditions.
HyDRA has also developed experimental and modelling workflows that link laboratory observations to reservoir-scale simulations. These tools are being used to assess how microbial processes, hydrogen-rock-brine interactions and reservoir characteristics may influence hydrogen losses, gas quality and storage performance. The project is now moving towards the development of site-screening and risk-management tools for future underground hydrogen storage projects.
🤝 Non-technical summary
Can underground microbes affect hydrogen storage?
Hydrogen is expected to become an important part of future low-carbon energy systems. Storing hydrogen underground could help balance energy supply when renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are not producing enough electricity.
This webinar presented progress from the European HyDRA project, which is investigating what happens when hydrogen is stored deep underground. Researchers are studying how rocks, underground water and naturally occurring microorganisms interact with stored hydrogen.
The project has shown that some microorganisms can consume hydrogen, but that this activity varies considerably between storage sites. Geological conditions such as temperature, salinity and rock type also play an important role. By combining field data, laboratory experiments and computer models, the researchers are developing tools that will help identify suitable storage sites and manage potential risks.
These findings will support the safe and reliable deployment of underground hydrogen storage as part of Europe’s future energy system.