Hydrogen

Challenge of hydrogen infrastructure and green hydrogen economy: Multiple applications of hydrogen for the energy transition

Hydrogen is more topical than ever. As a secondary energy carrier, hydrogen (H2) is an important building block for a sustainable energy supply based on renewable energies. By coupling the sectors of transport, heat and electricity, fossil energy sources can be substituted in the long term. The prerequisite is the availability of a coordinated hydrogen infrastructure.

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When establishing such a hydrogen infrastructure, all steps from H2 production to H2 distribution and storage to H2 application must be taken into account. The necessary coordination processes between the areas and the respective players are correspondingly diverse and complex.

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The options for hydrogen generation and production are:

• Electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources

• Hydrogen as a by-product of the chemical industry

• Thermal gasification of biomass and waste

• Steam reforming of biogas/natural gas

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For distribution are available:

• Distribution via pipelines

• Distribution via trailers

• Gas networks

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Hydrogen plays to its strengths particularly in the storage of energy due to the natural fluctuations in energy production from renewable sources:

• Natural gas storage facilities such as caverns for storing large quantities of hydrogen

• Gas grids themselves can serve as a storage medium. For example, up to a 5% volume share can already be fed into the natural gas grid for regulatory purposes.

• In addition, there are a variety of other local storage options (hydrogen hubs)

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The possible applications of hydrogen are also diverse:

• Applications in transport, especially in the field of public transport, heavy duty transport, as well as in the passenger car sector as fuel in fuel cells

• Stationary combined heat and power fuel cell systems for buildings and neighborhoods

• Heating and industrial sector with a wide range of applications 

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These multiple possibilities of hydrogen for the energy transition also pose an enormous challenge. The key questions are:

• How should the appropriate hydrogen infrastructure grow along with the share of renewables?

• What "green" hydrogen generation capacity will emerge, where, and at what scale?

• Which consumers will rely on the use of hydrogen and when?

• Which of the sectors, such as industry, mobility, heat sector and sectors of material use, will need which quantities and in which hydrogen quality?

• How can the different activities for the development of a hydrogen economy be combined and synergies be used?

• When and where are large hydrogen hubs worthwhile?

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This is where Localiser, as the first web-based hydrogen infrastructure planning platform, provides a fast and straightforward way for all stakeholders to communicate. Contact us today to learn how we can support you with your hydrogen infrastructure projects.