Parliament official sees limited potential for green hydrogen in heating sector

Franziska Brantner, the Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has expressed her doubts about the potential of green hydrogen in the heating sector.

She believes that there are many other alternatives such as heat pumps and geothermal energy that are more cost-effective than hydrogen. She also stresses the need for clarity in heat planning, particularly in municipalities where she advises against relying on hydrogen as a heating source.

Despite these concerns, Brantner acknowledges that there are sectors where green hydrogen is essential, such as in air traffic, shipping, and parts of industry where electrification is not possible. She also highlights the importance of green hydrogen in power generation for base load power plants. The coalition has agreed that the requirement of 65 percent renewable energy, which newly installed heating systems must generally meet from next year, can also be met with green hydrogen.

Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, which makes it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. It has the potential to reduce carbon emissions and become a major contributor to the energy transition. However, the technology is still in competition in some sectors such as trucks, where there are other alternatives like electric batteries.

One of the potential challenges facing the adoption of green hydrogen is the cost. It is still more expensive than other alternatives in some sectors such as heating. However, with state support and technological advancements, the cost is expected to decrease over time. Another challenge is the need for infrastructure to transport and store hydrogen, which requires significant investments.

In conclusion, while green hydrogen may not be a viable option for the heating sector, it is still a priority for air traffic, shipping, parts of industry, and power generation. It has the potential to reduce carbon emissions and become a major contributor to the energy transition. With state support and technological advancements, the cost is expected to decrease over time, making it a more accessible and sustainable option.