Ethical Impact Assessment of H2 storage in salt caverns

On Friday, 21 February 2025, I gave an online presentation on Ethical Impacts and Value Conflicts around H2 storage in Salt Caverns in The Netherlands, during ANSOLE´s 14th Anniversary International Online Conference (A2 IOC 2025) & 1 st WAITRO SDG7 Working Group Online Conference (WAITRO-WG7-25).

Abstract of my talk

The European Union has the ambition to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 . The development of a hydrogen economy with green hydrogen is part of the solution. Large-scale storage of hydrogen is needed between production with renewable energy sources and use in industry and households. Salt caverns under land or sea offer promising storage options. The first location for such salt caverns is in the province of Groningen, where natural gas winning has been causing damaging earthquakes and public axiety for years. In this presentation, I present highlights of an Ethical Impact Assessment of this project. A key dilemma is how to solve the value conflict between risks for social justice and benefits for combating climate change. Options for remediation are proposed. Finally, the audience is asked to comment on how public concerns over the transition to a hydrogen economy are addressed in their country.

Download the short report of the conference here, of look for more information on the website of the African Network for Solar Energy ANSOLE.org