Hydrogen Innovation Hydrogen - A Beacon of Hope for Energy Transition

Related Vendors

Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH

EDL Anlagenbau Gesellschaft mbH

CAC ENGINEERING GMBH

As we move towards a climate-neutral future, great hopes are being pinned on hydrogen as a key element of the energy transition. The energy-rich molecule can be used for storage and can act as an ideal versatile chemical energy carrier. But how might the hydrogen economy of the future look like? What volumes are required and what infrastructure is suitable? This trend report provides answers to these questions.

The EU's Green Deal aims to avoid as many greenhouse gases as are emitted by 2050, making the EU greenhouse gas neutral. With the adoption of the 2021 Climate Change Act by the European Parliament and Council, climate targets have also been enshrined in law, with the EU's interim target for emissions reductions by 2030 raised from 40 % to at least 55 %. The legislative package known as 'Fit for 55' contains provisions to put Europe on this path. In the last two to three years, these political decisions have laid the foundations for medium to large-scale hydrogen projects in Europe and around the world.

The goal has been set, and it is clear that green electricity is certainly going to play a key role in a renewable energy system. Using it directly is undoubtedly the most efficient way to go. However, wind and solar power are intermittent sources of energy and therefore not always available. Electricity storage is also a problem. Another argument in favor is that a modern industrial society such as Germany requires very large amounts of renewable energy, which cannot be covered by the available national renewable generation capacities. This is where hydrogen comes into play: renewable energy can be stored as hydrogen in chemical form, which means it can be stored for long periods of time, is always available and can be transported over long distances.