- Partnering to enable 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 infraestructura in Europe – building on its legacy of over 100 caverns in Germany and now expanding to Spain.

About ENAGÁS

Enagás is a Transmission System Operator (TSO) with 50 years’ experience in the development, operation and maintenance of energy infrastructure. The company has approximately 12,000 kilometres of gas pipelines, three underground storage facilities and eight regasification plants. The company operates in seven countries. In Spain, it is the Technical Manager of the Gas System and has been appointed Interim Manager of the Hydrogen Transmission Network (HTNO) by Royal Decree Law 8/2023. By agreement with the Council of Ministers, Enagás has been entrusted with the development of H2med, the Spanish hydrogen network and associated storage facilities. In line with its commitment to energy transition, Enagás has announced its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, with a firm commitment to decarbonisation and the promotion of renewable gases, especially hydrogen.

About Solvay

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 harnesses 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).