DE
For hydrogen to be able to be used as an important part of the energy transition comprehensively in industry, mobility and energy supply in Germany, new lines must be built and existing natural gas pipelines must also be upgraded for hydrogen transport. This can be challenging, as hydrogen is explosive and attacks the materials of the pipes. Professional material testing creates the necessary security regarding this.
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.
A new study by the consulting firm DNV investigates the H2 export potential from Sweden, Finland and the Baltic states as well as alternative transport routes to Germany and Central Europe. The study shows whether there is sufficient potential for the production of hydrogen for export in the Baltic Sea region, how economically this hydrogen can be produced and how the countries in the region can benefit from the development of an H2 network and the corresponding trade in hydrogen. For the large-scale export of hydrogen, pan-European pipeline systems can play a decisive role, which is why the study also contains a comparative analysis of possible pipeline routes.
The energy transition in Europe can only succeed if CO2-intensive sectors are rapidly decarbonized as well. In this, green hydrogen will very likely play a central role. Because in many energy-intensive applications, there is no other CO2-neutral alternative. The quantities of hydrogen required to achieve climate neutrality are very high for Europe, however. For decarbonization of today’s H2 production in Europe, about 250 TWh of H2 would be needed. In its hydrogen strategy, the EU assumes an availability of 2,250 TWh by 2050.
Eastern Germany could be short 54 terawatt-hours (TWh) of hydrogen in 2045, based on a year-by-year analysis. As usual with forecasts, this is still dependent on many factors, such as the exact H2 demand in the individual sectors. But one thing is clear: H2 infrastructure will be lacking if the...
The German-American talks regarding a possible activation of Nord Stream 2 also specifically addressed Germany's involvement in Ukraine. Ukraine, which fears economic disadvantages as a result of Nord Stream 2, is to receive support from the Federal Republic of Germany in the further development of its energy supply system. Or that was the plan, before Putin’s attack of the country. Due to the current war, it is completely open what the future will look like in Eastern Europe, including what the energy supply situation will be. In order to show what opportunities could arise after the, hopefully near, end of this invasion, we describe here the initial situation, as it still looked at the end of 2021.
