The collaborative project, known as H2Direkt, spearheaded by Energie Südbayern (ESB), Energienetze Bayern, and Thüga, is demonstrating the feasibility of operating existing gas networks with pure hydrogen.
This innovative endeavor aims to supply ten customers in Hohenwart with 100 percent hydrogen through the local grid starting from the 2023/2024 heating season. The hydrogen feed-in plant, inaugurated on September 14, 2023, marks a crucial milestone in this endeavor.
The H2Direkt project, a part of the TransHyDE hydrogen flagship project, is not only a technological feat but also a testament to Bavaria’s commitment to climate-friendly energy solutions. The venture has garnered support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, emphasizing its importance in advancing sustainable energy transitions.
The conversion of an existing natural gas network to accommodate 100 percent hydrogen is a remarkable feat achieved with minimal technical adjustments. Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, expressed his confidence in the safety and technical viability of this transformation. “We want to prove this with H2Direkt in Hohenwart,” he stated, adding that the project serves as a blueprint for sustainable energy supply.
The ceremony commemorating the hydrogen feed-in plant’s commissioning saw a diverse program of events highlighting the significance of hydrogen in future energy supplies. Approximately 200 attendees, including Prof. Dr. Gerald Linke, Chairman of the Board of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW), were present.
Marcus Böske, Spokesperson of the Management Board at ESB, expressed his satisfaction with the successful launch of the hydrogen feed-in plant. He emphasized the project’s importance in showcasing the potential of renewable hydrogen in the heating sector, marking a significant step toward climate-friendly heat supply.
Dr. Christoph Ullmer, Head of the Innovation Competence Center at Thüga Aktiengesellschaft, highlighted the project’s role in efficiently meeting Germany’s climate targets. “In order to achieve Germany’s climate targets efficiently and in the long term, we have to use existing infrastructure,” he stated. Gas networks, he argued, are well-suited for the use of green gases, offering a safe, affordable, and climate-friendly option for sustainable energy transitions.
The H2Direkt project exemplifies Bavaria’s commitment to a sustainable future and paves the way for further innovations in hydrogen technology and green energy solutions.
