Summer School 2026

Addressing the global need for large-scale energy storage to mitigate fluctuations in energy supply and demand is pivotal for the ongoing transition towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Hydrogen, due to its clean combustion and high energy capacity, is considered as one of the most promising forms of large-scale energy storage.

However, surface storage facilities are not suitable for storing such a light substance in large quantities. On the other hand, underground geological storage reservoirs, such as depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, saline aquifers
Advancing Underground Hydrogen Storage in the Heart of Norway

As the global transition towards renewable energy accelerates, the need for large-scale, flexible energy storage solutions has never been more urgent. Hydrogen, with its clean combustion and high energy density, continues to emerge as one of the most promising candidates for balancing fluctuating energy supply and demand.

Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) offers a viable pathway to store hydrogen safely and efficiently in geological formations such as depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, saline aquifers, and salt caverns. By bridging disciplines from geoscience to policy, UHS stands as a cornerstone technology for a sustainable energy future.

Hosted in Bergen, Norway, the 2026 UHS Summer School will provide a unique platform for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to explore the scientific, technical, and societal dimensions of underground hydrogen storage. Participants will engage with leading experts through lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions covering:

• Case Studies & Field Insights: Learn from pioneering UHS projects and demonstrations across Europe.
• Regulatory Frameworks & Licensing: Understand the evolving policies shaping hydrogen storage deployment.
• Techno-Economic Perspectives: Assess the cost, scalability, and market readiness of UHS technologies.
• Subsurface Science & Engineering: Explore the complex interplay between geology, geomechanics, geochemistry, and microbiology.
• Advanced Modelling & Monitoring: Discover state-of-the-art tools for characterising and managing underground storage sites.
• Public Perception & Social License: Discuss strategies for fostering trust and social acceptance of hydrogen technologies.

Join us in Bergen — a hub of energy innovation and gateway to the North Sea — to connect, collaborate, and contribute to shaping the future of clean energy storage.

Learn more about the 2026 UHS Summer School, and solution-mined salt caverns, are regarded as the most feasible options for large-scale hydrogen storage. Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) is potentially a key technology in the energy transition.

Our hybrid summer school will delve into the multifaceted world of UHS, providing industry and academic participants with invaluable insights and knowledge. Key topics include:

• Successful Case Studies: Explore commercial and pilot UHS projects that are leading the way.
• Policy, Regulation & Licensing: Understand the legal landscape and regulatory requirements.
• Techno-Economics: Analyze the economic viability and technological advancements in UHS.
• Geo-Technical Feasibility: Dive into the technical aspects, including thermo-hydrodynamics, microbiology, geochemistry, geomechanics, and geology.
• Advanced Characterization & Monitoring: Learn about the latest techniques in modeling, imaging, and monitoring.
• Public Engagement & Social License: Discover strategies for gaining public support and ensuring social acceptance.