Burckhardt Compression lands digital monitoring order for major hydrogen storage project

Burckhardt Compression has secured an order for its new digital monitoring solution, UP! Detect, marking a key step in the Swiss company’s expansion of digital services for the energy transition.

The order was placed by Gasunie, the Dutch gas infrastructure operator, and will be deployed at the H2CAST Etzel hydrogen storage project in northern Germany. As part of the contract, Burckhardt Compression will supply a high-pressure, oil-free hydrogen compressor equipped with the cloud-based UP! Detect condition monitoring system.

The technology delivers real-time insights into compressor performance and enables predictive maintenance by identifying anomalies before they impact operations. The result, according to Burckhardt, is greater compressor availability, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational safety — qualities that are particularly important for hydrogen infrastructure.

H2CAST Etzel, short for Hydrogen Cavern Storage Transition, is a flagship initiative to convert existing underground gas storage caverns into large-scale hydrogen storage facilities. The project is seen as a cornerstone for building out Europe’s hydrogen economy, providing a buffer to balance supply and demand and helping to integrate renewable energy into the regional grid.

Gasunie cited Burckhardt Compression’s experience with hydrogen compression and its advanced digitalization capabilities as decisive factors in selecting the technology.

Burckhardt Compression secures order for new digital solution UP! Detect from Gasunie for H2CAST Etzel Project in Germany. (Image Burckhardt Compression)

“We chose Burckhardt Compression because of their proven expertise in hydrogen compression and their innovative approach to digitalization,” said M.P. Moesker of Gasunie. “UP! Detect offers us a smart, proactive way to monitor compressor health, which is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of hydrogen infrastructure at this scale and enables us to gain experience with a technical equal but more cost-effective solution than other systems.”

UP! Detect is part of Burckhardt Compression’s broader UP! digital solutions portfolio, which integrates vibration analytics, cloud connectivity, and remote expert support to improve maintenance efficiency. The system provides early failure warnings, helping operators plan service activities and reduce total cost of ownership.

Burckhardt Compression said the successful order and upcoming deployment at H2CAST Etzel demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing digitalization in compressor operations and supporting the transition toward low-carbon energy systems.