Green Hydrogen Energy - Unlocking the Potential. Dreher Consulting investigates.
At the start of May this year I attended as a member of a delegation to the Netherlands, headed by the Minister of Economic Affairs, labour and Tourism from the State of Baden Württemberg, Germany.
The group; consisting of trade leaders, decision makers and senior company and political representatives visited Rotterdam, The Hague, Tilburg and Eindhoven, with the task of exploring the very latest developments in Hydrogen and its possible applications in a modern sustainable economy within Europe. The delegation included visits to some of the leading companies in the area, as well as some initiatives supported by local government focussing on sustainability and finally a local university who through project work has become a major force in promoting and developing the applications for hydrogen.
Table of Contents:
- Show me the Green ... (Hydrogen)
- Why Does Green Hydrogen Matter?
- How Could Green Hydrogen be Used for Sustainability?
- The Future is Green (Hydrogen)?
- 4 Facts to Remember
- Final Thoughts
Show me the Green ... (Hydrogen)
Green hydrogen energy is increasingly being touted as a low-carbon solution to many energy-related problems, from tackling global warming to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. But what is green hydrogen, and how can it be used to make our energy systems more sustainable?
Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. This creates a gas that can be used as fuel, with only water and oxygen as by-products. Unlike conventional hydrogen, green hydrogen does not involve emissions of harmful carbon dioxide, making it a zero-emissions alternative for industrial processes. It can be used in fuel cells to power electric vehicles, or as a feedstock for the production of chemicals like ammonia or methanol.
Why Does Green Hydrogen Matter?
The use of green hydrogen is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a variety of sectors. For instance, in the transport sector, green hydrogen can be used as a fuel to power trains, buses, trucks and even airplanes. In the industrial sector, it can fundamentally transform energy-intensive processes, such as refining, steel and cement production. The high energy density of hydrogen and its suitability as a feedstock for the chemical industry make it an attractive option for decarbonisation. I was fortunate enough during the delegation to see first hand how widely hydrogen has been accepted by some of the largest companies in Europe including Bosch and VDL, with such big players already onboard, many more will surely follow.
How Could Green Hydrogen be Used for Sustainability?
Green hydrogen has a range of applications for the future of sustainable energy. It can support the shift towards renewable energy, by storing excess electricity when solar or wind power is in oversupply, then releasing it back to the grid when it is under strain. It can also help regulate the intermittency of electricity supply generated by renewable energy sources. Furthermore, hydrogen can be used to replace natural gas, which is used in a variety of industries, to reduce the carbon footprint of large-scale processing.
1. Decarbonising Heavy Industry
One of the most promising uses of green hydrogen is in decarbonising heavy industries such as steel and cement production. These industries are responsible for a large share of global greenhouse gas emissions (not to mention secondary pollution in many cases), and finding low-carbon alternatives is crucial to meet and exceed the EU's climate targets. Green hydrogen can be used as a feedstock to produce these materials, replacing fossil fuels and massively reducing carbon emissions. Companies can play a key role in facilitating the development of green hydrogen infrastructure and supporting the transition towards a more sustainable industrial sector.
2. Powering Transportation
One of the most exciting use cases for green hydrogen is in powering transportation, particularly heavy vehicles that are the backbone of many industries and supply chains such as HGV trucks; vans and buses. While electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, their limited range and recharging times make them less suitable for certain applications. Green hydrogen, on the other hand, can provide a reliable and flexible source of power for transportation, without the need for lengthy (and increasingly expensive) recharging stops.
Businesses cross sectors can work together with stakeholders and local government within the transportation sector to help identify further opportunities for green hydrogen deployment, and support the development of the necessary infrastructure.
The Eindhoven University of Technology, in the Netherlands is just one example of a learning establishment completely committed to sustainability and the advancement of progressive technologies, and who currently have several significant green hydrogen projects ongoing.
3. Renewable Energy Storage
Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are becoming more affordable and widely deployed, but the intermittent nature of these sources creates challenges for grid stability and reliability. Green hydrogen can help to solve this problem by storing surplus renewable energy in the form of hydrogen, which can be used to produce electricity when needed. This can help to smooth out fluctuations in renewable energy output and provide a more reliable and stable energy supply. Project managers can work with renewable energy companies to identify opportunities for green hydrogen storage, and coordinate the development of the necessary infrastructure.
4. Residential Energy
Green hydrogen can also be used in residential energy applications throughout Europe, such as heating and cooking, offering a low-carbon alternative to natural gas. Hydrogen boilers and cookers are already available on the market, and green hydrogen can be produced locally using renewable energy sources. Project managers can play a role in facilitating the development and adoption of these technologies, working with local authorities, utilities, and consumers to overcome technical, regulatory, and social barriers.
5. Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Finally, green hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells, which can generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel cells are particularly suitable for applications such as off-grid power generation, backup power supply, and remote sensing. Project managers can identify potential use cases for fuel cells and work with manufacturers, installers, and end-users to deploy them effectively.
Bosch, are one of the leading companies within this sector and have recently shown just how much is possible through the bonding of green hydrogen and transportation requirements together.
The Future is Green (Hydrogen)?
Green hydrogen clearly offers benefits for sustained growth in the renewable energy sector, and has started to gain significant commercial traction globally, with companies like Toyota, Hyundai and BMW investing in fuel cell technology to power electric vehicles.
Governments are adopting and incorporating green hydrogen in their renewable energy agendas, for instance, the European Union has allocated €180 billion to build a green hydrogen economy by 2050.
However, for green hydrogen to become a truly competitive economic pathway, there is more work needed to improve its production, storage, and transportation technologies. It is at this point that promoting the partnerships between people, companies and countries could be a significant advantage, as is the case in question between the state of Baden Württemberg and its partner in the Netherlands.
4 Facts to Remember
Fact 1
With concerns about climate change rising, more and more businesses are exploring alternative energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. One emerging solution that has garnered significant attention is green hydrogen. Produced through electrolysis using renewable sources of energy like solar or wind, green hydrogen could become a sustainable fuel source with the potential to power a range of industrial processes.
Fact 2
The state of Baden Württemberg has found a reliable partner in the search for efficient sustainable hydrogen solutions in the Netherlands. Thanks to the innovation, skills and pioneering spirit so evident in the Netherlands, Europe is one step closer to finding a sustainable solution. The Port of Rotterdam is already a shining example of what is possible with hard work and vision, undoubtedly it will become one of the most important future hydrogen hubs for the North West of Europe, supported by the infrastructure of the surrounding cities of Rotterdam, Tilburg and Eindhoven.
Fact 3
With offices situated centrally in Stuttgart, Germany, Dreher Consulting is ideally located in the heart of Baden Württemberg: a leading industrial state, famous for its technical innovation, knowledge intensive fields of application and companies pushing the boundaries of whats possible in German engineering. For this reason, we are in a prime position to have our finger on the pulse of the latest developments in Hydrogen technology in the area..
Fact 4
As an early supporter of sustainable concepts Dreher Consulting has a mature range of sustainability focussed services and a healthy track record of successful projects within the sector, improving efficiency, optimise processes and reducing waste for companies throughout Europe.
Our friends at "Ineratec" are a great example of the groundbreaking work companies are now investing into to develop more sustainable eco-friendly systems, which thanks to Dreher Consulting are now even more efficient and focussed to the future. Read about our project with this inspirational company here. If your interested in learning more about Dreher Consultings previous projects check here.
Final Thoughts ...
Green hydrogen energy has immense potential to transform our energy systems and drive us towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future. Whether it's decarbonising heavy industry, powering transportation, storing renewable energy, providing residential energy, or using fuel cells, green hydrogen opens up numerous possibilities for innovation, job creation, and climate protection, whilst finally moving away from conventional fossil resources like coal and crude oil.
For businesses interested in reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future, exploring the possibilities of green hydrogen simply cannot be ignored. Hydrogen technologies and projects are starting to become the norm for many businesses and company's throughout Europe, with further investment and commitment the future may very well be green!
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