Project Kickoff Meeting – Bilbao (Spain), September 23–24, 2024

The DESSERT project began on July 1, 2024, and has received funding from the European Union’s Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) program under grant agreement No. 101157797. DESSERT, which stands for “Advanced thread-connected production string for hydrogen storage in underground formations,” held its official kick-off meeting in Bilbao on September 23 and 24, 2024. TUBACEX INNOVACIÓN, as the project coordinator, welcomed all partners to its headquarters to discuss the project’s objectives and plans.
The primary focus of this 36-month project is the development of a new stainless steel prototype pipe designed for injecting and withdrawing hydrogen from underground reservoirs. This innovative technology aims to establish hydrogen as a readily available and sustainable energy source, positioning it as a crucial component in the global transition to cleaner energy solutions.
The DESSERT project consortium consists of six partners with extensive expertise in the relevant fields, including steel manufacturers, universities and R&D centers, and an innovation and research consulting firm. During the meeting, all project partners presented their specific activities and contributions to the DESSERT initiative. The collaborative atmosphere fostered productive discussions on the technical, operational, and environmental aspects of the project. Each partner showcased their expertise and outlined how their work will support the project’s overarching goals.
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Tubacex Innovación and Tubacex Upstream Technologies, possessing all the expertise and technologies to design, manufacture, and characterize new and advanced high-nickel alloys and stainless steel products for the energy and mobility sectors.
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TEKNIKER, TU Clausthal, AC2T research GmbH, and Johannes Kepler University Linz, possessing the most advanced instruments, equipment, and developed methodologies for materials analysis, testing, and modeling•

ENCO srl, for ensuring the maximum exploitation and dissemination of the project results.
The event also included a comprehensive tour of key facilities. The project coordinators graciously opened their laboratories to all partners, allowing them to explore advanced tools and technologies essential for the development of the stainless steel pipes. These technologies are pivotal in achieving the project’s ambitious goals.
In addition, partners had the opportunity to visit the steel mill ACERALAVA and the tube production mill TUBACEX TUBOS INOXIDABLES, where they observed innovative technologies and manufacturing processes firsthand. These visits provided valuable insights into the complex production and quality control mechanisms that will ensure the success of the project.
The event was graced by the presence and valuable contribution of Dr. Miguel Medina Cobo, Project Officer from the European Research Executive Agency (REA), who helped guide discussions and align efforts toward achieving the project’s goals.
The KoM marked the start of a strong collaborative effort among the partners, with each contributing to the DESSERT project’s mission to develop sustainable hydrogen solutions.
More information will be available soon at www.dessert-project.eu or please contact: vastigarraga@tubacex.com

The DESSERT project has received funding from the European Union’s Research
Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) program under Grant Agreement No. 101157797.