Underground storage makes an important contribution to the energy transition

On May 15, the spring conference of DGMK and ÖGEW began in Celle (Lower Saxony). The German Scientific Society for Sustainable Energy Carriers, Mobility and Carbon Cycles (DGMK) and the Austrian Society for Energy Sciences (ÖGEW) discussed the “Role of Underground Industry for a Changing Energy Landscape”. Geo-energy systems and underground technologies are indispensable in the energy transition, as DGMK managing director Gesa Netzeband emphasized at the opening.

Underground storage for natural gas, hydrogen or perhaps CO2 is the backup for volatile generation from sun and wind. Jürgen Rückheim, chairman of the DGMK division Geo-Energy Systems and Underground Technologies, welcomed the EU and Germany's commitments to carbon management. This expressly mentions underground CO2 storage as a possibility.

He regretted that underground CO2 injection (CCS) under the mainland in Germany was still ruled out. However, according to the bill from the Federal Ministry of Economics, the federal states have the opportunity to launch their own initiatives. The bill provides for the possibility of CCS in the shelf under the sea.

Loss of skilled labor

International companies in Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands are currently developing storage, technology and business models to safely store unavoidable greenhouse gases so that climate protection targets can be met. In this context, Rückheim regretted the declining investment in research and development in his field in Germany.

At the same time, he warned of the loss of skilled workers. In recent years, more young scientists have left Germany than have newly arrived. Rückheim also reminded the audience that experts are still needed in large numbers for geothermal energy or the development of important energy transition raw materials such as lithium for batteries.

Climate protection goals need CCS

Thilo Schaefer, head of the climate change cluster at the Cologne Institute for Economic Research, explained the current challenges facing German energy and climate policy. He said that while Germany has been able to reduce its CO2 emissions as planned, this is mainly due to a decline in production in energy-intensive industries. This was caused by high energy prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but Schaefer does not expect it to last. Furthermore, too little progress has been made in the transport sector and in heating buildings to really achieve the climate protection goals.

He also called the capture and use or storage of CO2 indispensable to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The decision is pending as to whether a pipeline network should be created for this purpose to transport it to neighboring countries or whether CCS should also be carried out in Germany itself and where. Due to the lack of storage options for volatile power generation from wind and sun, a new base load protection must be created to put the German energy supply on a secure footing with renewable sources as well, Schaefer warned.

Politics should improve the framework

The right incentives for an infrastructure for the energy transition are still lacking. The CO2 prices, which are only valid in Europe, also represent a competitive disadvantage in global trade that would have to be offset in order to keep industry here.Schaefer suggested state guarantees to make infrastructure development more affordable. Investment incentives for energy transition conversions and long-term secure energy cost reductions for producers are further means. In addition, green lead markets could emerge through quotas such as for biofuels, and the state should set an example in its buildings and investments, he suggested.