Germany pushes hydrogen storage pilot in Rostock and initiates hydrocarbon industry dialogue

Akros Energy GmbH in Rostock is testing a new method to store and transport green hydrogen by chemically binding it to potassium bicarbonate, producing potassium formate salt that can be shipped in standard containers. The pilot, part of the Formaport project funded by the state of Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern and the EU, aims to prove the technology at industrial scale. Partners include the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis, the engineering firm Tab and the University of Wismar.

In Berlin, the Deutschlandforum Energieresilienz gathered politicians, economists and representatives of the liquid‑hydrocarbon sector. Participants highlighted the role of liquid hydrocarbons in ensuring a resilient supply of energy and basic chemicals. The German government announced a forthcoming dialogue with the hydrocarbon industry to secure domestic production, import, transport and storage infrastructure.