“Hydrogen will play a critical role as an energy source on the path to a climate-neutral energy supply.” As a result, it’s critical to determine how high the hydrogen demand in Baden-Württemberg will be.
The H2BW platform and the state agency e-mobil BW have released new research that is an essential first step in this approach. At the research’s presentation in Stuttgart, Andre Baumann, State Secretary for the Environment, Climate and Energy Management in Baden-Württemberg, remarked, “The study reveals where Baden-Württemberg has promise and what problems the state must face.” “Our enterprises are now being pushed to develop a sustainable hydrogen economy by registering their precise hydrogen requirements with network providers, for example.” On the basis of the study results, we seek to develop appropriate framework conditions for future as a state.”
A component of the energy transition
The H2BW platform, which is controlled by the state and innovation agency e-mobil BW, has released new research that looks at how high the hydrogen demand (H2) is in Baden-Württemberg and how large the hydrogen generating potential is. According to the findings, the country would require 16.6 terawatt-hours, or about 550,000 tons of hydrogen, by 2035. Because, in addition to electricity, hydrogen has the potential to help to decarbonizing the energy system now. This is especially true in energy-intensive industries like the chemical industry, heating, and heavy goods transportation. However, according to a new report titled “Analysis of the existing condition of H2 consumption and generating potential in Baden-Württemberg,” demand in the state would eventually outstrip supply.
“We are devoted to promoting hydrogen and fuel cell technology in numerous areas as the state’s innovation agency,” stated Franz Loogen, Managing Director of e-mobil BW. “We are launching initiatives with industry and research in the BW fuel cell cluster to enable key technologies, such as in mobility, to reach commercial maturity,” says the BW fuel cell cluster.
Only from 2025 will the market for hydrogen begin to grow
The costs of regeneratively produced hydrogen are currently and until 2025 not competitive with those of fossil fuels. However, in the long run, these may diminish. In the best-case scenario, green hydrogen production prices will reach €2.55/kg in 2035. As a result, the study suggests that the foundation for the use of hydrogen in fundamental chemistry and energy supply be established right now. Appropriate measures to encourage investment should also be undertaken.
Performance of electrolysis and renewable energy sources
By 2045 (or 2040 in Baden-Württemberg), the objective of achieving climate neutrality will have resulted in a large rise in power consumption. This is caused by power-intensive applications such as battery-electric vehicles and heat pumps, among other things. According to the report, Baden-Württemberg would see a 16 percent increase by 2035 and a 44 percent increase by 2045. The electrolysis method requires electricity from renewable sources to make green hydrogen. As a result, a large increase in the hydrogen demand projection in the research is necessary. In addition, Baden-electrolysis Württemberg’s capacity must be increased.
Baden-Württemberg is getting ready.
The report emphasizes that creating a climate-neutral energy source and a hydrogen economy are two separate tasks. The state of Baden-Württemberg has identified this difficulty and, in collaboration with the state agency e-mobil BW, has built a network to address it: the H2BW platform has been aggregating all hydrogen-related activity in the state since March 2021.
