HyLife-CETP - Geo-Microbial Mapping of European H2 Storage

Microbial risks associated with hydrogen underground storage in Europe

Who We Are

HyLife is a European research initiative dedicated to understanding microbial risks in underground hydrogen storage.

As Europe moves toward a hydrogen-based energy system, large-scale underground storage will be essential for balancing renewable energy production and demand. However, the subsurface is not sterile and the microorganisms that are naturally present in storage formations can consume hydrogen, produce unwanted by-products such as hydrogen sulfide, contribute to biocorrosion, and ultimately affect storage performance and safety.

The HyLife consortium brings together experts in microbiology, geology, geochemistry, reservoir engineering, data science, risk assessment, and energy systems from across Europe. Through coordinated field sampling, laboratory experimentation, data integration, and modelling, we aim to provide the scientific knowledge needed for safe, reliable, and economically viable underground hydrogen storage.

Our Mission

To identify, understand, and mitigate microbial risks associated with underground hydrogen storage, enabling the large-scale deployment of hydrogen technologies that support Europe’s clean energy transition.

What We Do

Investigate microbial communities in European storage sites.
Assess hydrogen consumption and microbial activity under storage conditions.
Evaluate risks such as hydrogen losses, hydrogen sulfide formation, and biocorrosion.
Develop monitoring approaches, protocols, and best-practice guidelines.
Support industry and policymakers with science-based recommendations for future storage projects.

Meet the HyLife Consortium

Learn more about our partners here

Our key results

Samples analyzed across Europe

European countries represented

Storage types investigated

Learn about our results here

Our publications

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