Project description
Large-scale hydrogen storage with insulation
The storage of liquid hydrogen (LH2) is challenging due to its extremely low temperature, which requires highly efficient and reliable insulation systems. Existing technologies are not scalable for large volumes. These barriers hinder the development of efficient LH2 infrastructure critical to the hydrogen economy. Innovative storage concepts are urgently needed. In this context, the EU-funded NICOLHy project will develop a novel insulation concept for large-scale LH2 storage based on vacuum insulation panels (VIP). This insulation approach promises to reduce costs, improve safety and enhance energy efficiency. By exploring material, safety, and economic aspects through testing and modelling, NICOLHy will develop scalable, modular insulation solutions for both onshore and offshore LH2 tanks. The project's success will contribute to more cost-effective and sustainable hydrogen storage.
Objective
The NICOLHy project aims to develop novel insulation concepts based on Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP) that enables the safe, cost- and energy efficient storage of large quantities of LH2. New design concepts are needed because the current technologies used in small and medium storages today are not suitable for up-scaling since would imply prohibitive costs, long construction time, low failure tolerance and limitation on tank shape selection.
To overcome this challenge, NICOLHy will utilize for the first time the VIP thermal insulation principle for LH2 storage. The project objectives will be achieved by applying a holistic approach by investigating material, safety, energy and economic aspects through both modelling and testing of the insulation. Analysis of circularity, sustainability, and scalability of the whole LH2 tank system will be conducted. The NICOLHy consortium, which brings together experts from different fields and disciplines is ideally suited for this ambitious project.
Recent results from NICOLHy project partners indicate that this insulation principle is successfully applicable to storing large quantities of LH2 leading to decreasing storage costs and safety and energy efficiency enhancement. Other advantages compared to existing solutions are the reduced construction time and the increasing failure tolerance. NICOLHy will develop further the preliminary evaluated modular and open-form insulation applicable for onshore and offshore LH2 tank applications.
The validation of this new insulation concept will enable the design of cost-efficient large-scale LH2 storage tanks with minimal LH2 boil-off. Thereby, NICOLHy will accelerate the integration of hydrogen into the European energy economy and industry, which is necessary to be in line with the European Green Deal and to keep confidence of the population in the policy and the technology.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-JTI-CLEANH2-2023-1
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
12205 Berlin
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.