Infrastructure

The transport transition is a central component of the German climate protection strategy. As part of this, hydrogen is seen as a key energy source, especially for heavy-duty goods vehicles. But how can hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) be supplied with hydrogen efficiently, sustainably and economically? A joint study by the National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH) and the German Energy Agency (dena) examines four supply options via a future H₂ pipeline network. In the study, H₂ hubs that act as connecting elements between the emerging H₂ network and the HRSs are of particular importance.

Transport iron to use hydrogen: The new H₂ storage technology of Ambartec AG conveys iron granulates and obtains the hydrogen on site through oxidation. In mid-February 2025, Ambartec, together with Purem by Eberspächer, signed a cooperation agreement (MOU) to prepare a serial production of this iron-nugget hydrogen storage and for its transport in standard 20-foot containers.

A research environment along the H₂ value chain is being created at the Research Airport in Braunschweig. Research is being conducted on green hydrogen production as well as the storage, transportation and use of hydrogen in heavy-duty mobility. Based on designs by Jahn Architektur, a unique H₂ research landscape on a real laboratory scale has been created on the approximately 5,000-m² (54,000-ft²) site, making it a demonstrator of a future energy center in the megawatt range.

In the EU project SHIMMER, the German institute for materials research and testing BAM is working on a comprehensive knowledge database. There, important information on standards for safe materials and components as well as on the European gas infrastructure is to be made available. SHIMMER will be led by the Norwegian research organization SINTEF. The project brings together twelve European institutions, including national institutes and gas network operators from the countries Spain, Italy, Norway, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

In October 2024, the German Federal Network Agency approved the plans for the hydrogen core network. Hydrogen is expected to flow through some sections as early as 2025. Despite turbulent times, the network operators remain confident about the new infrastructure.

There is extensive demand for hydrogen in both municipalities and industry. In this environment, plans for implementing these market requirements are now becoming more concrete. The recent decision to set up an H₂ core network (see p. 18) is seen as the initial spark for this. In view of the supply situation, however, it is clear that the focus must increasingly be on the distribution network, which was also made clear at the DVGW Congress.

Hydrogenious LOHC has received official approval to build and operate what it claims to be the world's largest commercial hydrogen storage facility using the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) benzyltoluene.

A successful ramp-up of the hydrogen market would be impossible without a means of hydrogen storage, and salt caverns are ideally suited to the task. These artificial cavities, more than 1,000 meters (3,200 feet) deep in salt rock, can be primarily found in northwestern Germany. While previously they have contained fossil fuels such as crude oil and natural gas, in the future they are set to hold hydrogen.

Startup company water stuff & sun has developed a novel technology that is designed to provide a safe and easy way to store hydrogen. The solution’s key component is its microvalve system. A pressure regulator controls the release of hydrogen progressively from 1,000 bar down to just a few bar. H2-international spoke to Thomas Korn, CEO of water stuff & sun, about how it works and the challenges encountered.