EnBW board member Georg Stamatelopoulos has proposed the use of “blue hydrogen” as a first step towards a quick switch from natural gas to hydrogen in the energy supply.
Blue hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, such as natural gas, with the resulting CO2 captured and safely stored. In contrast, green hydrogen is produced via a process called electrolysis, which uses renewable energy and produces no CO2.
Stamatelopoulos believes that if only green hydrogen is used, it will become more expensive, affecting the economy. According to the “Heilbronner Voice,” he stated, “If you want to complete the transformation quickly, you should also allow blue hydrogen as a first step, which means that it is decarbonized at the source.” However, Stamatelopoulos also mentioned that there are still questions about the conversion of gas sites to generation using hydrogen and what level the market will settle at.
The third largest German energy supplier, EnBW, is based in Karlsruhe and is responsible for sustainable generation infrastructure. Stamatelopoulos emphasized the importance of the energy supply to hydrogen, especially if there is a lull in wind and solar energy. He believes that if this doesn’t work, we will have to stay with gas longer if necessary. After phasing out nuclear energy and coal, there is no alternative.
Gas has a calorific value that is about four times that of hydrogen, meaning that you need four times the volume of hydrogen for the same energetic yield. However, with the capture and storage of CO2, blue hydrogen can provide a relatively fast and affordable option to decarbonize the energy sector. It can be seen as a stepping stone towards green hydrogen, which is ultimately the desired goal.
While blue hydrogen can play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One significant challenge is the availability of natural gas reserves, which are limited and unevenly distributed globally. The production of blue hydrogen also requires large amounts of energy, and the capture and storage of CO2 can be expensive and energy-intensive.
In conclusion, the use of blue hydrogen as a first step towards a quick switch from natural gas to hydrogen in the energy supply can provide a viable option to decarbonize the energy sector. However, it should be seen as a transitional solution towards green hydrogen, which is ultimately the desired goal. The availability of natural gas reserves and the cost of capturing and storing CO2 remain significant challenges that need to be addressed.
