With the gradual expansion of renewable energy generation, Kalletal is emerging as a net exporter of electricity in its region. This growing surplus of clean energy is becoming the catalyst for a visionary undertaking – the production of hydrogen, a clean fuel that can drive diverse sectors like mobility and industry.
The potential of this endeavor is so compelling that it has attracted the attention of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, which could provide 1.5 million euros in funding based on the analysis of surplus energy available for hydrogen production in Kalletal.
At its core, the project envisions the creation of a regional energy chain that transcends geographical boundaries. Hydrogen produced in Kalletal will be procured and transported to various areas. A “regenerative hydrogen filling station” will emerge within the industrial estate, providing a pivotal link in the energy chain. Subsequently, this energy-rich hydrogen will flow into the Herford district, driving sectors like mobility and industry.
Moreover, the project aims to distribute hydrogen to municipal buildings and non-municipal companies, fostering a collaborative environment that keeps the economic benefits within the region.
The timeline for this visionary concept is ambitious. By the end of 2024, the goal is to establish a sustainable and viable framework for producing and utilizing hydrogen. This will entail setting up the necessary infrastructure to convert surplus electricity into hydrogen, with an earmarked area of approximately 6,000 square meters within the Echternhagen industrial estate.
Mario Hecker, mayor of Kalletal, emphasizes the flexibility of the infrastructure’s development. It can take the form of an energy cooperative model or leverage existing structures, underlining the municipality’s commitment to adaptability and progress. A key component of this infrastructure will be the construction of an electrolyzer, a device that utilizes electricity to split water into its core elements – hydrogen and oxygen. The target is clear: to produce hydrogen from renewable sources, enhancing the project’s sustainability.
Dr. Beatrix Wallberg, head of the environmental department of the Herford district, is a staunch advocate of the project. She highlights the broader benefits of regional collaboration, where all stakeholders stand to gain. This collaboration is enabled by “sector coupling,” a strategic integration of different energy sectors, such as electricity, heat, and transport. It forms the bedrock for projects like these, driving the transition to low-carbon energy sources like hydrogen.
The collaborative spirit extends to academia. Partnering with the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FHM) in Bielefeld, the project is crafting a blueprint that could guide similar initiatives in other municipalities. This blueprint aims to leverage the experience gained in the Herford district and the Kalletal project, fostering a culture of shared learning and innovation.
The joint venture, known as the “Sectoral decarbonization option with impact potential in the Urbanland OWL,” has already secured recognition from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. This validation has unlocked funding of 180,000 euros for the project, a testament to its potential to serve as a role model for sustainable energy solutions.
The Kalletal initiative showcases how seemingly simple ideas can catalyze profound change. With a vision of hydrogen-powered prosperity, this project offers a glimpse into a future where energy transcends boundaries, industries thrive sustainably, and communities reap the rewards of collective innovation.
