Green hydrogen: Germany's future in industry and traffic?

Green hydrogen: Germany's future in industry and traffic?

Deutschland - The hydrogen economy in Germany shows promising developments, especially in the area of green hydrogen. A new study by a consortium has now created an atlas that defines the optimal locations for the production and use of green hydrogen (H2) in Germany. Green hydrogen is obtained from renewable energies such as wind and solar power by electrolysis and is considered an environmentally friendly and climate-neutral hydrogen source. The study finds that production is particularly advantageous in northern Germany where offshore wind farms are available in large numbers and offer ideal conditions for the generation of new energy sources.

The Atlas is based on the potential for the use of green hydrogen in industry, especially in sectors such as the chemical and steel industry, as well as in traffic, such as buses and trains. The appropriate locations include power grid nodes where wind power lines arrive on land. At the same time, it is emphasized that the current demand in the traffic sector does not yet exist and must first be developed. Current H2 bus projects are located in the test stage, supported by high subsidies. Many planned train projects are unprofitable, some have already been discontinued.

ecological and economic considerations

The electrolysis for the production of green hydrogen not only produces H2, but also by -products such as oxygen and waste heat. These can be used by municipalities, for example, in sewage treatment plants and district heating networks. While the price of batteries has been reduced in recent years, this could favor battery -electric mobility compared to hydrogen vehicles. However, scientists warn of a general use of hydrogen, since both costs and potential bottlenecks must be taken into account in availability. The current proportion of green hydrogen in total consumption in Germany is only 5 %, which makes the need for action clear.

Hydrogen production was significantly more expensive in 2021 with costs of 3.1 to 9.0 euros per kilogram compared to gray hydrogen. Nevertheless, the manufacturing costs are expected to decrease through research and expansion measures in renewable energies. Up to 70 % of the required hydrogen will have to be imported from abroad, since the ideal production locations are usually in sun or windy regions, such as in the Scottish lake or the Arabian Peninsula.

The future of the hydrogen economy

The German government pursues clear goals for the establishment of Germany as the leading market for hydrogen technologies with the national hydrogen strategy (NWS). By 2025, a dynamic development of the hydrogen economy is expected to significantly increase the use of green hydrogen. Important trends include the expansion of electrolysis and projects such as H2Global that offer large -volume acceptance contracts in order to compensate for price differences between green hydrogen and fossil fuels.

The importance of cooperations between public and private actors is considered crucial for the success of this form of energy. Technological progress, especially in the area of electrolysis, is also mentioned as a key factor in order to reduce the manufacturing costs of green hydrogen. By 2025, the hydrogen economy could not only play a central role in the transition to sustainable energy, but also strengthen the position of Europe in international climate protection.

The Council of Experts for Environmental Questions also emphasized the need for environmentally friendly use of hydrogen. The high water consumption in production is criticized, especially in low -water regions. A complete ecological balance for green hydrogen is also required to ensure sustainable practices.

Overall, the current development shows that the hydrogen economy offers considerable opportunities, but also faces challenges and limits to be overcome. The key to success lies in the effective cooperation and the development of cost -effective technologies.

For more information on this topic, we refer to the articles from ÖKONEWS , wikipedia and Techzeitgeist .