Bundeswehr researchers advocate a military hydrogen strategy as a contribution to a more independent energy supply for Germany.
This would initially lend itself to offshore shipping and air traffic, where synthetically produced fuels could also be used, the scientists write in a study published by the Bundeswehr think tank GIDS. Vehicle operations and the large number of buildings are also cited.
The GIDS (German Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies) is a cooperation between the German Armed Forces Command and Staff College and Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Bundeswehr in Hamburg. The institute advises the political and military leadership.
Systems requiring considerable energy are required.
“The future Bundeswehr’s energy autonomy is critical in light of anticipated changes in the energy infrastructure and mobility drive systems,” the researchers say. According to them, a critical point of crystallization in Germany is the country’s national hydrogen policy.
The researchers point to the military’s mechanization. This necessitates energy-intensive systems, which have been predominantly fuelled by fossil fuels in the past, they argue. “As a result, the ability to plan and execute successful military operations is becoming increasingly dependent on the energy management capabilities of armed forces,” the paper states. “As a result of this economic and military reliance on oil, access to this energy supply and market stability are well-known strategic and security imperatives.”
However, production of crude oil and natural gas in Europe, in particular, is dropping predictably – if only because existing reserves are depleted. This will increase reliance on crude oil from conflict zones, he explained. “However, natural gas imports from Western Europe will become less available in the future,” the researchers explained. This trend has been anticipated for many years, they said, and could deteriorate further if less money is invested in discovering new sources of energy in the face of increased consumption.
The largest consumer of fuel
Additionally, the experts believe that the Bundeswehr has the ability to capitalize on emerging technologies. According to them, the Bundeswehr is the highest fuel consumer among government agencies, with over 30,000 vehicles. By comparison, the Federal Police Department maintains a fleet of 7,000 vehicles. The Bundeswehr, with over 1450 properties and more than 33,000 buildings, might become a significant demand-side development tool if hydrogen was integrated into its own energy management.
Hydrogen has already been employed as an energy carrier in submarines under the Bundeswehr. According to the researchers, synthetic fuels might be used to power combat aircraft, large battle tanks, and certain navy vessels. The reason for this is that they contain more energy than hydrogen.
The source of future hydrogen (H2) is equally significant. For example, expanding collaboration with countries in North Africa or the Middle East would have economic and strategic ramifications. “As a result, an import logic for energy carriers persists and even intensifies. In comparison to crude oil, H2 would already be importing a diverse and immediately usable energy carrier “According to the study. Unlike oil, hydrogen would already be delivered as a finished commodity, negating the profitability of producing it in Germany.
