Artificially created cavities in salt rock are suitable for the efficient, sustainable and economical storage of energy sources. Cavern storage is a safe technology because salt has ideal physical properties to form a permanently impermeable barrier against liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, compressed air and hydrogen. Compared with other storage options, caverns provide higher operating flexibility and have a smaller footprint above ground.

Each cavern is unique
Because requirements are always different, our solutions are tailor-made. We design and build caverns in depths of more than 2,000 metres and with volumes of up to one million cubic metres. DEEP.KBB develops innovative designs such as offshore caverns or gas storage caverns with two access boreholes.

Our engineering is always based on the geological conditions. Only after analysing these in detail can we start planning a tailor-made cavern. At the end of the day, the cavern must be safe and economical to produce and operate. That is why our geoscientists and engineers work hand in hand - from the first planning step to the completion of the cavity. Using state-of-the-art 3D modelling software we interpret the geological environment and simulate the development of the cavern.

Expertise to rely on
Like every structure, a cavern also requires a static design. We cooperate with independent rock mechanics laboratories and use the results of the labaratory tests for a computer simulation of the planned cavern operations. An expert opinion based on the results will then provide recommendations for cavern operation.

We supply our customers with the entire range of services relating to cavern construction, right up to the turnkey cavern:

• planning and engineering
• drilling and construction supervision
• project management and operational management