Collaboration Between Estanc and the University of Tartu on Hydrogen Storage Development

Estanc has begun a collaboration with the University of Tartu to develop an innovative low-pressure hydrogen storage system. This marks an important step toward safer, more energy-efficient and cost-effective hydrogen solutions, supporting the transition to clean energy.

“Most of today’s hydrogen storage solutions rely on either high-pressure or low-temperature technologies, which are costly, energy-intensive and come with significant safety risks,” explained Estanc’s CEO, Priit Haldma. “Our new approach enables the temporary binding of hydrogen to a carbon-based material at low pressure, followed by its controlled release. This reduces leakage and rupture risks and allows us to use more affordable components, significantly improving the energy efficiency of the entire lifecycle.”

The total cost of the project is approximately €1.2 million, of which 50% is funded by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) through its applied research and product development support programme. The project will run until January 2027.

The research builds on more than a decade of scientific work at the University of Tartu’s Institute of Chemistry, where Professor Enn Lust has been studying hydrogen storage in carbon materials since 2014. His team focuses on synthesizing and refining ultra-microporous carbon materials to increase their hydrogen binding capacity.

“Our goal is to develop a solution that is both scientifically innovative and industrially applicable,” added Haldma. “Collaboration with the researchers at the University of Tartu provides us with a strong scientific foundation on which we can build technology suitable for industrial use.”

What’s next?

The ultimate goal of the project is to design and build a prototype hydrogen storage system that can compete with existing technologies in terms of cost, safety and energy efficiency. Initial contacts with potential partners across the hydrogen value chain have already been established.

University of Tartu Institute of Chemistry

The University of Tartu’s Institute of Chemistry is a leading research centre in Estonia in the field of hydrogen technology research and development. The institute actively contributes to the development of new materials and clean energy solutions, supporting the growth of the green economy.