by Hydrogeit | Jan 7, 2025 | Europe, Germany, News, Trade fairs and congresses
Four days of energy policy cooperation in Brussels – The European Hydrogen Week took place for the third time in Belgium from November 18 to 21, 2024. Organized by Hydrogen Europe, the European hydrogen association, a total of 220 exhibitors and, during the conference, numerous stakeholders presented their projects and concerns in the two exhibition halls.
Unlike other H2 events in Hamburg, Rotterdam or Hanover, the focus in the European capital was on energy policy issues. There were relatively few exhibits on show at the trade fair, and hardly any components or products, but there were some comparatively large stands – at least by H2 industry standards – where there was plenty of space for networking and conceptual discussions.
The conference, which was integrated into the exhibition hall, focused on political demands, regional flagship projects and international cooperation, among other things. More than 200 speakers presented proposals and debated in 25 panel sessions on the need for H2 underground storage facilities, better links between the H2 sector and the energy sector, deregulation and better framework conditions for making final investment decisions.
Among other things, Hydrogen Europe signed cooperation agreements with both H2 Chile and the Green Hydrogen Association (GH2) from India to facilitate cross-industry and public-private exchange between the European Union and these two countries.
In 2025, this event will take place from September 29 to October 3.
by Claas Hülsen | Dec 10, 2024 | Energy storage, Europe, Germany, hydrogen development, News
New DNV study analyzes production and export
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.
For the decarbonization of central industrial sectors in Central Europe and especially in Germany, the procurement of cheap green hydrogen will be an important challenge in the coming years. Especially the steel industry and basic chemicals will be dependent on the availability of cheap hydrogen. The domestic production of hydrogen in this quickly reaches its limits. It is competing with the decarbonization of electricity generation through renewable energies while at the same time increasing electricity demand through the electrification of key economic sectors – for example in transportation – on the other hand, the domestic production costs for hydrogen in Germany are in some cases significantly higher than in other regions of the world.
In view of this, significant quantities of hydrogen will have to be imported. While sea transport is sometimes the only option for long distances, pipeline-based transport is a cost-efficient option for medium distances. Transport via pipelines has the particular advantage that the hydrogen produced is available in pure form and no transformation losses occur, as is the case with tanker transport in the form of ammonia, for example. Strategically, it is also important for the development of H2 import chains for Europe and Germany to establish stable partnerships that are also resilient in times of crisis, in order to avoid situations similar to the interruption of gas supplies from Russia in the course of the war in Ukraine.
With that, it is in the interests of all parties involved to look around for possible nearby sources of supply within Europe as well. Various pipeline corridors are currently being discussed in this context and are also being funded by the EU as “Projects of Common Interest” (PCI).
In this regard, DNV on behalf of Gascade has investigated the potential of hydrogen sourcing from Sweden, Finland and the Baltic states in recent months. Based on the existing energy policy objectives of the countries mentioned, an estimate was first made of the possible export potential from the Baltic Sea region. Secondly, the costs at which this hydrogen can be provided and which transport routes will be sensible based on the geographical production potential were determined.
The country analyses, which form the basis of the study, present a differentiated picture of the plans of the individual countries in two scenarios. In each of these scenarios, the planned expansion of renewable energies and the domestic demand for electricity and hydrogen are determined. An optimistic scenario for each country assumes an ambitious expansion of renewable energies for most countries using data from the TYNDP 2022 Scenario Report. This expansion will be combined with a correspondingly ambitious expansion of the respective H2 utilization in accordance with the country’s respective H2 strategy. The conservative scenario, in contrast, is less ambitious in all components.
The remaining energy volumes in the respective scenario (after deducting domestic demand from electricity production) are earmarked for the export of hydrogen. It should be noted that this energy could also be earmarked for export as electricity via newly built interconnectors. However, this alternative is not considered further in this study. This results in the following overview of the existing export potential in the two scenarios:
The conservative scenario used in the study shows that Finland in particular can achieve a considerable electricity surplus in 2050, which could be used to produce green hydrogen for export. The Swedish electricity surplus, on the other hand, will decrease continuously over the selected period and the country will no longer have a surplus in 2050. This is due to the moderate expansion targets in Sweden and the simultaneous advance of domestic electrification.
Overall, the conservative scenario results in a potential of about 70 TWhel in 2050 that can be sourced from the region, with Finland being the main source of the surplus. This reported surplus based on the lower ambitions is quite small, mainly because Sweden, due to its own electrification of industry and domestic hydrogen consumption, shows no surplus in 2050. Nevertheless, wind energy makes a significant contribution in the countries: It can be assumed that onshore wind power will be the main source of surplus electricity in the period from 2030 to 2050, accounting for around 40 to 50% (SE) and 70 to 80% (FI) of electricity generation from renewable energy (RE) sources. This is followed by offshore wind power with a share of renewable electricity generation that will increase to 10 to 20% by 2050 (SE) or about 5% in 2030 and 11% in 2050 (FI).
In the optimistic scenario, on the other hand, development in both countries is more balanced. In this scenario, Sweden shows the highest surplus potential in year 2030, which then halves by 2040 due to electrification, but remains stable thereafter. For Finland, an even greater increase is forecast than in the conservative scenario. Over time, the following total potential for surplus electricity for the production of green hydrogen from the region could therefore be achieved: 2030: 16 TWhel, 2040: 90 TWhel, 2050: 119 TWhel.
Also in this scenario, Finland remains the largest surplus electricity producer and would produce around 30 TWhel more than in the conservative scenario. In addition to this is a small potential from the Baltic countries and Poland.
For the following analysis of the pipeline routes, this analysis was not only carried out at country level for each scenario, but also differentiated at the regional level – the basis for this forms the existing and planned distribution of REs in the individual country regions.
Calculation of the H2 production costs
The analysis of production costs is important, as the export of hydrogen as a business is then only sensible if the costs are also competitive in comparison to other possible source regions. In this respect, the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is the commonly used performance indicator. In a second step, the production costs for green hydrogen are therefore calculated for each region. Compared per region are the LCOH for various production technologies for which the respective regional capacity factors are taken as a basis.
For the calculation of the hydrogen production costs (LCOH), two possible concepts are also examined in the study. First, option 1 assumes that the electrolyzer is operated directly coupled with renewable resources to produce green hydrogen. Alternatively, a different approach is analyzed for the region in which the electricity is drawn from the power grid – which from a regulatory point of view, under certain circumstances specified in the EU Delegated Acts, also make the production of green hydrogen possible. In this case, we check whether the feed-in from renewable energies in the areas examined lies above 90%, as required for an exemption from the RED III criteria with regard to points such as PPAs for renewable energies, additionality and temporal correlation, and then evaluate the hydrogen accordingly on the basis of the electricity costs from the grid.
In summary, the results show that the generation costs of the directly coupled concept appear high. They lie, depending on the region, between 6.15 EUR/kg and 18.75 EUR/kg (see Fig. 2). This seems high compared to the generation costs in southern Europe for directly coupled plants, so at these production costs it is questionable whether exports can be established economically.
Fig. 2: Electricity production costs of hydrogen for direct-coupled onshore wind electrolysis in 2030 for all analyzed NUTS2 regions
Due to the very high share of RE in the Scandinavian regions, however, and the equally low specific CO2 share per kWh (due to the combination of hydropower, nuclear energy and RE), it can be assumed that for the relevant bidding zones in Finland and Sweden the exemptions of the RED III Delegated Act apply, so the electrolyzers can draw energy from the grid. This significantly changes the picture with regard to the LCOH – especially as the electrolyzers can now achieve a much higher number of full load hours and thus reduce the capital costs in relation to the amount of hydrogen generated. In this way, LCOHs between 2.5 EUR/kg and 4.5 EUR/kg are achieved.
As these in turn depend on the electricity costs in the respective country over the time axis, these electricity prices were taken from the DNV electricity price forecast for Finland and Sweden. Due to the increasing electrification in both countries, the demand for electricity will increase between 2030 and 2050 – which will initially lead to rising electricity prices and thus also rising LCOHs. In the long term, however, DNV expects the electricity price to develop moderately, so the LCOH for 2050 is estimated at around 2.5 EUR/kg (see Fig. 3).
Fig. 3: LCOH Sweden and Finland with grid withdrawal 2030 to 2050
As a result of the cost analyses, it was found that, because of the specific system situation, very attractive production costs for hydrogen can be achieved in Scandinavia. This was already evident this year at the pilot auctions of the European Hydrogen Bank.
Export corridors to Central Europe
In the last part of the analysis, on the basis of the regionalized export potential identified, possible export corridors to Central Europe were evaluated. We have based our analysis on the corridors currently described in the network development plans (European Hydrogen Backbone) and compared them with regard to the regionalized export potential from the first part of the study in terms of their costs and capacities as well as their strategic routing. The following figure shows the five variants examined, for each of which an identical starting point in Finland near the city of Turku was chosen for comparison purposes and the determined regionalized export potential is taken as a basis.
Fig. 4: Five analyzed cases for the (simultaneous) use of onshore and offshore pipeline routes
Both routes connect to the planned Finnish onshore hydrogen transport network that will come from the north of Finland.
Onshore route
The onshore route begins with a connection from Turku to Helsinki, where the Gulf of Finland is crossed by an offshore pipeline segment connecting Helsinki with Tallinn. From there, the hydrogen will be transported through Estonia and Latvia via a newly built pipeline until it reaches a 100-kilometer section of a reused natural gas pipeline in Latvia. The total length of the onshore route is around 2,000 km (1,242 mi). For the calculation of the hydrogen transport capacity, the European Hydrogen Backbone Reports make the following assumptions for the various pipeline segments:
- New construction of 36-inch pipelines (50 bar), nominal capacity of 4.7 GWH2, capacity factor 100%
- Reused 36-inch pipelines (50 bar), nominal capacity of 4.7 GWH2, capacity factor of 75%
- New construction of 48-inch pipelines (80 bar), nominal capacity of 16.9 GWH2, capacity factor 75%
Compared to the other pipeline sections, the rededicated sections have a lower operating pressure and therefore a lower transport capacity. These segments therefore represent a bottleneck for transport capacity. Unless booster compressors are used to temporarily increase the flow rate where possible, this restriction determines the transport capacity of the entire route.
This results in a transport capacity of 30.9 TWhH2/year, based on full utilization within the limits of the capacity factors specified above and the parts of the network with the lowest capacity (75% × 4.7 GWH2 = 3.6 GWH2). If the entire route can be expanded to a transport capacity of 4.7 GWH2 , a total of 41.2 TWhH2/year can be transported. At the expected capacity factor for Finnish onshore wind energy of 40%, the transport capacity of a 4.7 GWH2 connection is 16.5 TWhH2/year.
A comparison with the expected order of magnitude of the surplus from Finland shows that the onshore route can only cover the expected hydrogen transport capacity from the surplus from Finland in the optimistic scenario (8.6 TWhH2/year) for 2030. After this time, the onshore route alone will no longer be sufficient to provide adequate transport capacities.
After publication of the DNV study, the consortium Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor announced that it would abandon its original plans to use pipeline sections consisting of reused natural gas pipelines and – for reasons of transport capacity – would try to provide 48-inch new pipelines over the entire land route. This means that the land route will actually have a greater transport capacity than forecast in this study, if the new 48-inch pipelines can be realized.
Offshore route
The offshore route alternatively starts with a connection from Turku to the island Åland. From there, one or more pipelines with a length of around 760 kilometers run through the Baltic Sea to the Danish island Bornholm. From there, one or more pipelines lead to the German mainland. The total length of an individual pipeline route is around 1,000 km (621 mi). The total length, including a double pipeline route, is about 1,900 km. In this regard, the study analyzed the costs for both a single and a double route.
At a maximum operating pressure of 80 bar, due to the pressure losses induced in the pipeline, a hydrogen recompression is required along the 760‑km route from Åland to Bornholm. In this case, the offshore route must connect to the Swedish island Gotland, to carry out recompression there and/or establish a connection to local supply and demand centers.
For calculation of the hydrogen transport capacity, the European Hydrogen Backbone Reports make the following assumptions:
- New construction of 48-inch pipelines (80 bar)
- Nominal capacity of 16.9 GWH2
- A capacity factor of 75%, which corresponds to an actual capacity of 111.0 TWhH2/year.
- Assuming a capacity factor of 40% (Finnish onshore wind energy), this corresponds to an actual capacity of 59.2 TWhH2/year.
Alternatively, the possibility of a single optimized offshore pipeline sized to be able to transport the expected surplus for all scenarios and years examined was investigated. This pipeline also provided for a connection between the island of Bornholm and the Polish coast in the area Niechorze-Pogorzelica, in order to create a connection with the land-based hydrogen network. The optimization correspondingly provides a dimensioning of a single, about 780‑km pipeline such that it can transport 65 TWhH2/year at a capacity factor of 40% plus X. The aim of the optimization is to ensure that a single pipeline is sufficient to transport the excess hydrogen from Finland in all analyzed scenarios.
Results of the optimization
The calculation was based on the norm ASME B31.12, Option A. This resulted in an operating pressure of 170 bar and a resulting wall thickness of 60.13 mm. This is outside the standardized range of pipeline wall thicknesses available on the market, but is not unprecedented in the industry. For example, the Langeled pipeline, which runs between the UK and Norway, has similar design specifications. The table below summarizes the required specifications.
Tab. 1: Specifications of the 780 km long pipeline from the Åland Islands to Bornholm
Source: DNV
In summary, the offshore route can meet the expected hydrogen transport needs from the surplus from Finland in the following scenarios:
- Single (unoptimized) pipeline (59.2 TWhH2/year): All scenarios are met except the optimistic scenario 2050 (62.4 TWhH2/year).
- Dual (unoptimized) pipelines (118.4 TWhH2/year): All scenarios are fulfilled.
- Single (optimized) pipeline (65.0 TWhH2/year): All scenarios are fulfilled.
Techno-economic analysis
The results of the various pipeline route options are summarized below:
Tab. 2: Levelized costs of hydrogen transport for the analyzed pipeline routes
- Case 1: Only onshore route: The total investment costs are around 5.8 billion euros, but at 1.37 euros/kg H2 based on the levelized cost of hydrogen transport, it is the most expensive option.
- Case 2: Only offshore route – single pipeline: The total investment costs are similar to case 1, but the levelized costs of hydrogen transport are much cheaper at 0.40 euros/kg H2.
- Case 2 (Opt): Only offshore route – single pipeline (optimized): The total investment costs are similar to case 2, but the levelized costs of hydrogen transport are slightly lower at €0.39/kg.
- Case 3: Only offshore route – double pipeline: Levelized cost of €0.40/kg. However, the total investment costs are around €11.8 billion – twice as much as in Case 2.
- Case 4: Onshore route and offshore route – single pipeline: The total investment cost is similar to Case 3, but the weighted average levelized cost is higher at €0.61/kg.
Although offshore pipelines are about 1.5 times more expensive than onshore pipelines of the same diameter, they are, due to the different total transport distance between the onshore and offshore routes (1,000 km or 2,000 km) in combination with the larger overall diameter and pressure (and therefore transport capacity) of the offshore routes, a more cost-effective option for transporting excess hydrogen from Finland to Central Europe. However, from the perspective of diversification and the development of hydrogen production in the Baltic states, an additional onshore route offers greater security of supply.
Conclusions
The option of obtaining hydrogen from the Baltic Sea region is economically and strategically interesting for Central Europe. Low production costs combined with intra-European production can promote the competitiveness of European industry and would make Europe less dependent on imports. For many end applications, the possibility of obtaining pure hydrogen (and not derivatives such as ammonia) is attractive, as it is more efficient and avoids the costs for conversion processes.
A combination of offshore and onshore pipelines can diversify supply, as there is sufficient hydrogen production potential if the potential for excess electricity from renewable energies is used. An optimized offshore pipeline, however, would be the most cost-effective means of transport to Central Europe.
As a result, it can be stated that a strategic dialogue should be initiated between the states bordering the Baltic Sea and the EU countries dependent on hydrogen imports (especially Germany and Poland). The aim should be to develop a common strategy and vision for a hydrogen network in the Baltic Sea region that further develops the previous considerations in the discussion about a European hydrogen backbone and concretizes plans for RE expansion, pipeline planning and industrial utilization. Due to the many aspects that need to be taken into account, a multinational agreement for such hydrogen production and network expansion would be worthwhile.
Authors: Claas Hülsen, Daan Geerdink, Daniel Anton, DNV Energy Systems Germany GmbH, Hamburg
by Victoria Kubenz | Dec 2, 2024 | Development, Europe, Germany, hydrogen development, Market, News
Data provides key to green hydrogen economy
Green hydrogen is considered one of the key ingredients for meeting global climate targets[i]. And it is also a possible alternative to gas, which makes the need to accelerate the hydrogen economy in Germany and Europe all the more urgent. However, establishing a hydrogen economy requires more than just innovative technologies for its production, transmission and utilization. It demands digital solutions to raise efficiency, forecast hydrogen demand and supply, monitor transmission and storage and ensure the safe use of hydrogen in a variety of applications. Yet there has so far been little or insufficient sharing of the data needed to perform these tasks among potential market participants. The primary reasons for this are a lack of trust and a fear of competitive disadvantage. The HyTrust project, funded by the German education and research ministry, now intends to tackle these challenges by creating a data trustee model in the hydrogen economy.
Data plays a vital role in a company’s value creation and is extremely important for the development of competitive advantage. It lays the foundation for sound strategic decision-making and for controlling internal processes but also has enormous potential when it comes to interactions beyond company boundaries. For example, data allows efficiency levels to be raised, collaboration with partners and customers to be coordinated and innovation potential to be exploited.
Sharing data in industry and research is fundamental for developing solutions to societal problems and can be seen as a significant driver of innovation and competition. Despite the increasing availability of data, its use for cross-organizational purposes has so far been rare. This is due principally to a lack of trust by companies, a fear of losing know-how and a fear of competitive disadvantage[ii]. Other obstacles are the lack of an organizational framework for secure data exchange and unclear business models[iii]. Indeed, companies increasingly recognize the value of data but many fail to use this resource effectively[iv].
But what happens if companies neglect digitalization and the exchange of data? We find the answers in the lessons of earlier economic history:
Here we can look to Kodak, Quelle and Nokia – once giants in their fields. Kodak, a pioneer in photography, failed to spot the shift toward digital photography despite previously holding a leading technological position. Quelle, a long-standing mail order company, underestimated the rising importance of online retail and in the end had to file for insolvency. Nokia, onetime leader in the cell phone sector, missed the smartphone trend and lost its dominant market position in the area of smart cellphones to emerging competitors.
These companies not only ignored nascent digital trends but also shied away from making the necessary changes. Their inaction and adherence to outdated business models ultimately led to their existence being put at risk. Experts explain this reticence by the fact that established companies prefer to rely on strategies with which they are familiar and which have served them well in the past. Thus businesspeople expect further growth in return for very few changes – in other words, scant innovation, meager investment and continued profits.
Furthermore, the top decision-makers in established companies are frequently slow to act when it comes to planning and strategy for digitalization. This leads to these companies often not capitalizing on trends promptly enough and a climate of fear prevails in which failure is not tolerated. These factors inhibit the innovation process and result in short-term thinking. In Germany, there is a moderate degree of digitalization. Compared with the rest of Europe, we are in 13th place. The pioneers are the Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands[v].
At the same time, digitalization and the exchange of data have a major role to play in Germany in the restructuring of the energy supply to create an almost fully renewable energy system. They also act as enablers of this transition and are therefore more than just facilitators, particularly with regard to electricity and hydrogen production and usage. Studies on the climate-compatible development of our energy system highlight wind and solar energy as the main pillars of future power generation. Modeling shows that a large number of photovoltaic plants, heat pumps, stationary battery-storage facilities, electrolyzers and other technical plants will be needed to meet climate goals. By 2030, at least 80 percent of gross power consumption (households, companies, public facilities) is set to come from renewable sources[vi]. That means a massive expansion in solar plants and wind farms.
Added to that, production of green hydrogen is expected to grow to a capacity of 10 gigawatts by 2030[vii]. Most of these plants will use fluctuating and uncontrollable renewable energy for power generation which requires a paradigm shift from the previous centralized power plant model to a more flexible system. This complex interaction calls for carefully timed energy use, greater sector coupling and the temporary deployment of flexible production plants and various storage technologies[viii].
Meanwhile, a challenge exists in seasonally balancing supply and demand when integrating electricity generated from photovoltaics and wind. A range of solutions is being discussed, such as the production of hydrogen and its reconversion into electricity as well as the deployment of large-scale storage power plants. The involvement of a multitude of decentralized consumer and generating units as active market participants is crucial for short-term balancing within the energy system[ix]. The (cost) efficiency and eco-friendliness of the entire system and the liquidity of the markets are dependent on this.
The introduction of resilient digitalization concepts with real-time capability that allow for a reactive approach to network management is another step further in developing flexibility potential. Nevertheless, there are currently still digital gaps since the processes for dynamically adapting to power demand and supply are often time-consuming and paper-based. Complete end-to-end digitalization and a data-based exchange of information are needed to make these processes more efficient and more effective.
Insights into digital solutions
Production of green hydrogen: This is where, in particular, the challenges posed by the fluctuating availability of renewables and the cost of production can be addressed. Digital solutions, such as automated energy management systems, are able to support predictive production planning through continuously analyzing parameters like electricity availability, electricity prices and hydrogen load. Predictive maintenance reduces stoppages and maximizes the availability of plants.
Hydrogen transmission: Once hydrogen has been produced, it needs to be conveyed to consumers. However, this requires not only checking and adapting existing infrastructure but also making it more dynamic. Smart grids allow the flow of hydrogen to be adjusted dynamically in real time, which leads to efficient distribution and utilization. Energy management systems can be used to enable the integration of hydrogen-derived energy into existing energy infrastructure by balancing network loads and minimizing energy losses. Digital logistics platforms coordinate hydrogen transmission and improve the efficiency of the supply chain, taking into account regulatory requirements and the traceability of green hydrogen certification.
Hydrogen storage: The storage of hydrogen is critical for security of supply. Intelligent planning of storage capacities using digital technologies (for instance energy management systems) can lower costs by maximizing utilization efficiency through automated charging and discharging processes and minimizing energy losses. Trading platforms provide transparency regarding resources and demand while simulation programs or digital twins can model, test and optimize various storage scenarios.
Hydrogen use: In terms of green hydrogen use, control systems that are supported by artificial intelligence and based on real-time data ensure efficient and demand-responsive utilization of green hydrogen in various applications, for example in industrial processes or in the mobility sector. This is where existing cloud computing applications are used for optimal control. Increasingly there is also potential for new business models, for instance rental models for electrolyzer plants, which are based on data quality and enhance flexibility. Startups have an important contribution to make in addressing the challenges within the value chain by offering innovative solutions.
Development of a hydrogen market: Digital solutions could link up regional and global marketplaces and enable trading to take place across a variety of platforms. Blockchain-based smart contracts can automate and safeguard trading operations, thereby increasing trust and security. Big-data analyses support price setting and the development of market strategies through the assessment of a wide range of market data.
Traceability and certification: The certification and traceability of hydrogen origin must be one of today’s most frequently discussed subjects. Here, digital approaches can provide solutions, such as blockchain technology. This guarantees the traceability of the entire supply chain for green hydrogen, from production through end use. Additionally, digital certificates and supply chain management tools ensure transparency and trust in the provenance and quality of hydrogen. The use of digital technologies makes the whole supply chain more efficient and traceable, which promotes the acceptance and widespread use of green hydrogen.
HyTrust research project[x]
Data trustee models or DTMs are regarded as a highly promising method for encouraging cross-organizational data exchange and commercial data use. A data trustee serves as an intermediary[xi] which acts as a neutral trust authority and data manager and works to achieve a fair balance of interests between data providers and data users[xii]. The aim of a data trustee model is to provide a trustworthy framework with suitable infrastructure for the controlled exchange of data beyond company boundaries. These models are designed to strengthen data sovereignty and individual controls over the exchange of data by allowing data providers to determine what data is made available and for what purpose as well as the form it will take and the intended recipients[xiii].
Data trustee model, Source: Own depiction, Fraunhofer IMW
Data trustee models have a decisive role to play in the ramp-up of green hydrogen since they have the potential to increase the willingness to share data and make it easier for various players in the hydrogen industry to cooperate. Improving data access allows better coordination of value chains in the context of the hydrogen economy and the exploitation of innovation potential, for example.
Furthermore, data trustee models strengthen data sovereignty and security by enabling data providers to precisely define the access to their data. Centralized data management and provision promote trust and make it easier for data to be shared securely between national and international players such as hydrogen producers and off-takers as well as network operators.
Despite the potential, there are concerns and challenges in relation to data trustee models. Improved data availability is not automatically guaranteed, especially if data acquisition and provision remain complex. What is more, the introduction of a data trustee model could be interpreted as an additional bureaucratic hurdle that makes the process of data use more difficult. Companies and organizations could also be hesitant to share their data in a centralized model due to unresolved liability issues.
As it currently stands, the concrete benefits and suitable use cases for data trustee models in the hydrogen market are yet to be fully defined. That is why in this project we are investigating how data trustee systems in the emerging hydrogen economy can be used and structured for various application contexts. As part of this project, the research team is developing viable business and operational models for data trustees and addressing technical aspects relating to the implementation of the data trustee model. In doing so, the researchers will consider the concerns and challenges involved in introducing such a model, taking into account the legal framework conditions and requirements for data trustees.
Possible use cases for data trustee models
Traceability and certification: A data trustee model or DTM would be useful during the establishment of the hydrogen market as it can improve traceability and certification in the hydrogen market. This type of model will create transparency and trust, making the market more accessible from abroad and giving consumers clear information about national and international players, supply, storage and demand. A neutral nonprofit association could act as the data manager without being directly involved in the H2 value chain. This would ensure the neutrality of the certification process.
Planning H2 production and off-take during ramp-up: A data trustee model has a key role in the efficient planning of hydrogen production and off-take. It enables data on production capacities, storage capacities, demand forecasts and import quantities to be gathered and analyzed. This data is essential for optimizing network planning as well as aligning supply and demand. A DTM can help companies optimize processes and shape the hydrogen market in an effective way.
Data trustee model-supported regulations: The development of practical and meaningful regulations in the hydrogen market will be made easier by a data trustee model. A DTM allows the needs and requirements of players to be gathered and evaluated systematically and for this information to be converted into data that is relevant for regulations. This means that regulatory decisions can be based on current, well-founded data which in turn helps foster a stable and dependable market environment.
Network monitoring: A data trustee model is vital for secure and efficient network monitoring within the hydrogen market. It enables inputs and outputs in the network to be monitored second by second and network data to be collected and analyzed. Consequently, network islands can be identified, bottlenecks can be avoided and a continuous supply of hydrogen can be ensured. A DTM supports the disclosure and analysis of network data which is vitally important for the security and stability of the hydrogen network.
Overall, it is apparent that a data trustee model in the hydrogen market has a pivotal part to play in improving transparency, planning certainty, regulatory support and network monitoring. It promotes trust between market participants, facilitates the development of a sustainable hydrogen economy and helps create an efficient and reliable market for green hydrogen.
Digital transformation is not a luxury; it is a necessary condition for the future viability of companies in today’s interlinked world. This is clearly illustrated in the ramp-up of the hydrogen market and in the design of value chains. By effectively using data trustee models and digital technologies along the value chain, companies can successfully shape the transition to a green hydrogen economy and thus play a part in driving lasting change in the economy and society.
[i] BMWK (2020): https://www.bmwk-energiewende.de/EWD/Redaktion/Newsletter/2020/07/Meldung/direkt-erklaert.html
[ii] BDVA Position Paper (2019): Towards a European data sharing space. Enabling data exchange and unlocking AI potential.
[iii] European Commission (2018): Study on data sharing between companies in Europe. https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/8b8776ff-4834-11e8-be1d- 01aa75ed71a1/language-en
[iv] Bitkom (2023): https://www.bitkom.org/sites/main/files/2023-05/Bitkom-ChartsDatenoekonomie.pdf
[v] Statista (2022): Digitalisierungsgrad der EU-Länder 2022 | Statista
[vi] Federal Government of Germany (2024): So läuft der Ausbau der Erneuerbaren Energien in Deutschland. So läuft der Ausbau der Erneuerbaren Energien in Deutschland | Bundesregierung
[vii] Federal Government of Germany (2023): Neue Gigafabrik für Wasserstoff-Zukunft. Neue Fabrik für Wasserstoff-Elektrolyseure | Bundesregierung
[viii] Digitalisierung und Energiesystemtransformation – Chancen und Herausforderungen (2018) 7288_Henning.pdf (wupperinst.org)
[ix] Strüker J., Weibelzahl M., Körner M.-F., Kießling A., Franke-Sluijk A., Hermann, M. (2021): Dekarbonisierung durch Digitalisierung – Thesen zur Transformation der Energiewirtschaft. wi-1290.pdf (uni-bayreuth.de)
[x] Fraunhofer IMW; Projekt HyTrust (2023): https://www.imw.fraunhofer.de/de/forschung/data-mining/PlattformbasierteWertsch/forschungsprojekte/hytrust.html
[xi] Blankertz, A.; von Braunmühl, Patrick; Kuzev, Pencho; Richter, Frederick; Richter, Heiko; Schallbruch, Martin (2020): Datentreuhandmodelle. Stiftung Neue Verantwortung. https://www.stiftung-nv.de/de/publikation/datentreuhandmodelle
[xii] Kühling, Jürgen LL.M Prof. Dr. (2021): Der datenschutzrechtliche Rahmen für Datentreuhänder. Zeitschrift für Digitalisierung und Recht (ZfDR). https://rsw.beck.de/zeitschriften/zfdr
[xiii] BDR (2019): Der Datentreuhänder – Centrust Platform der Bundesdruckerei. Bundesdruckerei. https://www.bundesdruckerei.de/de/Newsroom/Aktuelles/Vertrauen-durch-Datentreuhaender
by Klaus Vollrath | Dec 2, 2024 | Development, Europe, Germany, Market, News
Insights into a rapidly developing technology
Extremely high demands are placed on tools for punching, stamping and forming sheet metals. In some cases, accuracies of between 1 µm and 2 µm are required during manufacturing. The level of challenge increases drastically the larger the tool and the thinner the sheet. The stamping plates for the sheet-metal parts in fuel cell bipolar plates are a prime example. Bipolar plates are thin structures made from welded sheet-metal half shells that enclose the filigree flow fields. They are built up one after another in many layers, with the membrane electrode assemblies sandwiched in between, to produce the final stack.
Bipolar plates for fuel cells that will be used in automotive applications commonly consist of stamped, punched sheet-metal half shells that are welded together to produce hollow pieces. The manufacture of suitable stamping and punching tools is a constraining factor given the current technology available. Thinner sheets would indeed reduce the weight of fuel cells. However, as the material becomes thinner, the die clearance becomes narrower and the geometry must be more accurate. The accuracies asked of stamping and punching tools and presses are therefore extremely demanding.
Interest is focused on the development of a suitable process chain for manufacturing stamping and punching tools for the production of sheet-metal parts. Key points are the demands on the steel for the tools, the computer aided design/manufacturing software (CAD/CAM software), the necessary micro-milling tools, the properties of the machine tool, the lubrication and cooling of the milling cutters as well as the metrological testing and documentation of quality.
Companies working in this area include, for example, Hufschmied, MHT, Röders, Open Mind, Voestalpine and Zeiss. Together they outlined the current state of development as part of a seminar with more than 50 attendees. The results presented at the event are not only relevant for those involved with bipolar plates, but also for other sectors such as micro-production, precision engineering, medical technology or aerospace.
Ultra-hard steel: Böhler K888 Matrix
The stamping tool must have an extremely high dimensional accuracy, excellent wear resistance and low adhesion tendency in order to economically produce the extremely fine structures present in bipolar plates. Another prerequisite is excellent machinability. This presumes a low proportion of primary carbides in a hard matrix structure (matrix steel). Furthermore, the carbides should only be very small and distributed evenly across the whole cross section since coarse examples can break up during cutting and may cause surface imperfections. This is why steel produced from powder metal is used.
The Böhler K888 Matrix was chosen which is a material with a maximum carbide proportion of less than 2 percent. This is supplied in an annealed condition with a Brinell hardness of under 280 HB and achieves a Rockwell hardness of 63 +1 HRC after hardening at temperatures between 1,070 °C and 1,120 °C. This material thus demonstrates excellent wear resistance even in comparison with high-carbide materials.
Machining trials by Hufschmied have shown that the material is still extremely workable and can achieve extremely high surface qualities. It also responds well to coating which in turn leads to an increased service life.
CAD/CAM software
A suitable numerical control (NC) program is essential for optimal component quality. To create these NC programs, Open Mind offers a CAD/CAM system called hyperMILL which meets all requirements. The software calculates the tool paths with utmost accuracy and thus provides NC data with the appropriate exactness. Nevertheless, several factors need to be borne in mind: To fully take into account the topology of the component in order to calculate the tool paths, geometric features such as sharp edges, recesses and the condition of the surface transitions must be analyzed and identified. This information is then fed into the calculations and roughly controls the point distribution in the tool path.
In addition, further optimization can be carried out, for instance the adaptation of the feed. This allows the milling tool to machine the component at a constant feed rate. The “soft overlap” option prevents visible transitions by using various milling tools or strategies and reduces the time spent on manual finishing to virtually zero.
It is also important to link geometrically identical structures within a component that are either automatically or manually identified or defined. The appropriate tool paths that were initially created for an individual area can then be transposed to the previously identified or manually defined positions and connected fully automatically using the transformation function. This removes the need for unnecessary movements. This process allows calculation times in the CAM system to be significantly reduced.
Milling machine requirements
The machining of dies for bipolar plates is characterized by high material hardness, small tools with diameters of well under 1 millimeter as well as stringent demands on surface quality and accuracies down to the 1-µm range. What is more, the small contours require long running times which presuppose a very high long-term thermal stability of the machine tool.
Röders machine tools set themselves apart thanks, among other things, to their frictionless direct drives, highly rigid roller guideways, frictionless weight compensation of the Z-axis, high-speed precision spindles and highly accurate tool measurement. A particular feature is the 32-kHz sampling frequency in all control loops which enables the rapid correction of even the smallest deviations. Another key element is the sophisticated temperature management system which keeps the medium that circulates through all the main machine components at a stable temperature to within ± 0.1 K. This allows tolerances to be reliably maintained in the lower micrometer range.
The Hufschmied tools from the Bumble-Bi series used to machine various sections of the demonstrator (50 mm x 40 mm) on the Röders system along with relevant machining times, Source: Röders/Hufschmied
Bumble-Bi micro-tools from Hufschmied
The task of machining stamping tools for bipolar plates presents milling tools with a particular challenge. This is due to the hardness of the material being cut and the long program running time which in some cases lasts well over 100 hours. What is more, the required accuracies allow only minimal wear. To meet this challenge, Hufschmied developed the specially designed Bumble-Bi series of micro-tools. These include high-feed milling cutters for roughing as well as torus cutters, ball cutters and flat ball cutters. The latter are a hybridized version of a torus cutter and a ball cutter. All tools receive a physical vapor deposition or PVD coating, creating extremely smooth surfaces which enable temperature to be well managed. The milling tools used to make the demonstrator are summarized in a table alongside their operating parameters.
The entire sleeve of the MHT medium distributor encloses the tool holder without touching it or rotating with it. Air and lubricant are fed underneath the spindle via the docking station.
Optimal lubrication with the MHT medium distributor
When it comes to cutting processes, the right combination of cooling, lubrication and chip removal from the working area is crucial. The MHT medium distributor enables efficiency while also saving on energy and cost. The key element is a conical sleeve, which is attached to the tool holder and is exchanged with it during a tool change, yet does not rotate with the milling cutter. The sleeve is docked underneath the spindle and from there supplies it with compressed air and lubricant.
Most of the cooling and cleaning work is performed by the compressed air that is sprayed out of the nozzles arranged in a ring on the lower edge of the sleeve. The powerful air jet immediately removes chips and their heat content from the milling cutter and the workpiece. The lubricant, made from carefully selected hydrocarbons, is fed through in extremely low quantities (2 to 10 milliliters an hour). This is sufficient to ensure optimal lubrication for cutting operations. Heat build-up when hard cutting is reduced by around 50 percent. Significant advantages are much longer lifespans for tools, increased cutting performance of the machine and improved workpiece surfaces.
Measuring equipment and quality control
The manufacturing of bipolar plate stamping tools involves the use of milling cutters with diameters as small as 0.2 mm. For quality control purposes, it is necessary to measure extremely small and narrow contour areas, for example on the sides of the flow channels and on the cut edges. As this means measurements as low as single micrometers, the measurement uncertainty of the measuring system used should be 10 times better than the manufacturing tolerances being examined. This is something that few coordinate-measuring machines are able to achieve.
So that these measuring points can be expertly captured and without excessive effort, the task was given to a Zeiss DotScan optical sensor with a measuring rate of up to 1,000 measuring points per second which was moved with an articulated unit in three different angular positions during scanning.
Measurement of the demonstrator using a Zeiss DotScan optical sensor with a mean percentage error of 1.8 µm + L/350. To facilitate better measurement of the sides, the sensor was moved with an RDS articulated unit and on a Zeiss Contura coordinate-measuring machine during scanning. Image: Zeiss
Results
The presented results (spread ±3 µm) prove the efficiency of the process chain outlined in this article. By selecting the correct components and choosing the right methods, it is possible to achieve a high degree of reliability even when machining high-strength or very hard tool steels. It also allows high quality standards to be met, though this requires all aspects to be considered in detail.
Author: Klaus Vollrath
by eaugsten | Nov 18, 2024 | Energy storage, Europe, Germany, Market, News
Metal hydride storage as a complete system
GKN Hydrogen has developed a complete containerized storage system which allows hydrogen to be stored in discs of metal hydride powder. The solution employs solid-state technology to store hydrogen safely for long periods. The pioneering company based in Pfalzen, northern Italy, became part of the British engineering corporation Langley in August 2024.
Admittedly, the many practical benefits of using metal hydrides for hydrogen storage are in no way a new revelation. Metal hydrides are compact and require neither high pressures nor low temperatures. Even in the event of a fire they are relatively safe since most of the hydrogen is firmly bonded in the metal. It’s why developers attempted to use them in hydrogen cars in the 1970s. And yet this technology is still not found in any automobile. One of the reasons for this, as tests showed, is the immense metal weight that had to be carried in relation to the amount of hydrogen stored. Not only that, the issue of on-board heat management proved tricky to handle.
On the other hand, what is relatively new is the use of metal hydride storage systems in stationary applications. Storage solutions for microgrids, neighborhood schemes and industrial units usually stay put. Such systems can also be used for hydrogen mobility, albeit essentially to store hydrogen at the refueling station.
If needs must, the hydrogen can also be moved around in shipping containers. These are best transported by boat or train, though road trains are also possible across the vast expanses of the prairies. “In the USA we are currently developing a mobile refueler. This will enable hydrogen to be transported to remote areas, thereby providing a truck-based refueling option in these locations,” says Dirk Bolz, head of marketing at GKN Hydrogen.
Dirk Bolz, head of marketing at GKN Hydrogen
In these applications, there will be little concern about using titanium-iron alloy as the material and the combined weight of the storage container for 250 kilograms of hydrogen and the associated equipment adding up to over 30 metric tons. It thus allows GKN Hydrogen to sidestep a key problem with this technology.
The company has also found solutions for other challenges: “Our specialist knowledge and intellectual property lie principally in two areas. One of those is production processes – in other words how you press a bonded material from metal powder,” says Bolz. In the early days the powder was formed into small pellets; today they are more like round, flat discs. “The other area is the charging and discharging of the storage system – in other words the thermal cycling of the storage system.”
The actual storage unit is designed as a pipe-in-pipe system (see fig. 1). In the inner pipe, the hydrogen flows around the discs made from compressed metal powder. A heat transfer medium flows through the outer pipe carrying away the heat which arises when hydrogen bonds to the metal. Adding heat reverses the process and the storage system is discharged.
Ten years of hydrogen storage research
GKN’s history can be traced back to the dawn of industrialization. The company started when an ironworks was founded in Dowlais, South Wales, in the 18th century. Since then, it has been involved in a wide range of industrial technologies, including the manufacture of steel, screws and drive shafts for cars. GKN Powder Metallurgy, headquartered in the German city of Bonn, is the specialist in powder metals within the international corporation. Its developers have been working on the application of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage for a good decade. The metal powder is made in the company’s factories spread across the world.
Up until 2023, the production of complete containerized systems was based at the GKN Sinter Metals factory in Bruneck in South Tyrol, Italy. This is where the first pilot applications originated. “Initially it was an off-grid solution for a vacation home and demonstrators at our sites. They were quickly followed by the first fully integrated power-to-power systems that incorporated everything from the electrolyzer and storage system down to the fuel cell,” explains Bolz. A year ago, GKN Hydrogen moved to Pfalzen, a 3,000-strong community located on the outskirts of Bruneck, where the systems are now produced and refined.
Levelized cost of storage rules
As an industrial enterprise, GKN knows full well that price is a key deciding factor for customers. According to Bolz, the current volume of production means the capital costs for a metal hydride storage system, depending on use, are around one and a half times that of a comparable pressurized tank. “Yet, depending on the application, the TCO – total cost of ownership – of our storage systems is on a par with or even below pressurized tanks. That’s due to the much lower maintenance costs.” He therefore recommends paying attention to the levelized cost of storage or LCOS for a specific project.
As the main components of the storage system are unmoving, the cost of maintenance is lower in comparison with high-pressure systems with a compressor unit and the storage system has a longer life expectancy. The efficiency is also greater. This is because once the hydrogen is bound in the metal, it stays there – in contrast with gas or even liquid storage tanks in which some of the molecules are discharged over time. Furthermore, the metal hydride storage system operates at low pressure, which can save considerably on energy costs, depending on the pressure level for production and application.
Batteries compared and contrasted
In addition to straight hydrogen storage systems, GKN Hydrogen also offers turnkey power-to-power solutions which come with the electrolyzer and fuel cell already installed. These are similar to commercial battery systems in terms of size and energy density. The HY2MEDI storage system includes a fuel cell and electrolyzer which are prefitted in a 20-foot (6-m) container. It holds 120 kg of hydrogen. This can then supply around 2 megawatt-hours of electricity using the in-built fuel cell. By comparison, the battery storage system of a well-known manufacturer in the same format has a capacity of 1.9 MWh.
However, metal hydrides and batteries each have their strengths in very different areas of application. Where a high number of short storage cycles are the order of the day, a battery solution comes out clearly on top. The battery manufacturer puts cycle efficiency at “up to 98 percent.” Looking purely at electrical efficiency, metal hydride systems are only 32 percent efficient. If a customer also requires heating, a significant proportion of losses can be used for heating purposes, which brings the overall efficiency to 70 percent. “Our systems are used in buildings or backup solutions for critical infrastructure for longer storage periods, from around two days to several weeks or months.”
GKN Hydrogen’s complete storage system is available as a containerized solution
“In industry, storage volumes and cycling dynamics tend to be the crucial factors,” stresses Bolz. If energy is not released for a long time, a battery’s losses will increase – but not in the case of metal hydride. The metal hydride storage system can also excel when it comes to cycle stability. According to GKN, after 3,500 cycles, the capacity remains at 99 percent of the starting value. Even beyond that, the storage systems have so far proved stable. “To date, we have put our storage solutions through about 6,000 cycles and we haven’t observed any mechanical wear or chemical degradation,” says Bolz.
Advantages for safety
The use of both hydrogen and batteries requires special safety precautions, particularly in relation to explosion and fire prevention. A great deal of experience has been acquired with regard to batteries which reduces anxiety about their use, including applications in residential properties. New battery materials will also greatly increase fire safety in the near future.
Hydrogen in pressurized tanks is, on the other hand, relatively new outside industrial uses. There is little experience of its application in homes or residential areas, in particular, and skepticism abounds. This is where metal hydride storage systems could come in.
“Only around 4 percent of the hydrogen stored in our system is present as gas. The rest is chemically bonded, in other words fixed,” explains Bolz. This minimizes the fire load and risk of explosion. What has been absent so far, compared with batteries, are well-honed practices within public authority approvals procedures. Authorities currently ask for the same evidence as required for high-pressure tanks, says Bolz. But he assumes this will soon change. “At the moment we are working to prove that our storage systems are the safest on the market by carrying out simulations and test installations.”
In fact it is the safety aspect which has recently opened the door to the Japanese market for GKN. In Japan, high-pressure tanks of 10 bar or higher are subject to strict safety regulations. That’s why Mitsubishi Corporation Technos, a Japanese trading company specializing in industrial machines, signed a memorandum of understanding with GKN Hydrogen just a few months ago.
Takeover by Langley Holdings
At the beginning of August, GKN Hydrogen had some big news: The company had joined British group Langley Holdings. This latest move followed several previous shifts at GKN. In 2018, the aerospace and holding company Melrose Industries bought GKN Group. At that time, GKN Hydrogen was still a business unit, becoming a stand-alone company within the group in 2021. In 2023, Melrose separated off several GKN companies into the Dowlais Group, among them GKN Hydrogen.
The new owner Langley is a family-run British corporation which started out in the 1970s as a supplier to the coal industry and has since grown into one of the UK’s biggest private companies. With 90 subsidiaries and a workforce of 5,000 staff, Langley estimates its turnover in 2024 will be about USD 1.5 billion. Around half of these earnings are expected to come from the Power Solutions Division, which will henceforth include GKN Hydrogen. Other companies in this division are Bergen Engines, a Norwegian manufacturer of medium-speed engines, the Italian Marelli Motori, which makes electric motors and generators, and the German Piller Group, which provides uninterruptible power supply systems.
Guido Degen, CEO of GKN Hydrogen, describes the takeover as an opportunity for the company to accelerate development. They are said to be excited about “potential synergies” with other companies in the division. Even before the takeover, GKN Hydrogen saw itself as ready to fly. “To date, we have built and installed 27 systems globally,” said Bolz in early summer. This equates to a storage capacity of 60 MWh around the world. “This is no longer lab status, it’s technology readiness level 9. The manufacturing processes are standardized. Scaled-up series production and the subsequent cost benefits are possible any time – we are, in a sense, prepared for the growth that has been forecast for the sector.”
Eva Augsten
by Julia Glapińska | Nov 13, 2024 | Europe, Hydrogen economy
Two German universities in Oldenburg and Hanover and the Polish training company Studium Wodoru are proving that cross-border training for pioneers in the green hydrogen industry makes sense. The Polish edition of this program has just started for the second time.
Studium Wodoru is a Polish training and research company. Based on the many years of experience of its founders, it deals with education and consulting. The company, together with the University of Oldenburg, runs a certified study program “Hydrogen for TOP Managers”. It is a sister program of the German edition „Wasserstoff für Fach- und Führungskräfte“ (“Hydrogen for Specialists and Managers”), which has been successfully implemented in Oldenburg for several years.
The advanced training program „Wasserstoff für Fach- und Führungskräfte“ won third place at the NordWest Awards 2024 of the Northwest Metropolitan Region.
Thanks to the efforts of Studium Wodoru, the German management training program was adapted to the Polish market. The reputation and prestige of this program led to employees of companies from the eastern part of Germany, who are either already present in Poland or are planning to expand into the Polish market, asking about the opportunity to participate. Representatives of one of the Swiss companies are also taking part in the second edition.
Campus Gut am See
The program is held at the “Gut am See” campus in Görlitz. The location is no coincidence. The border town of Görlitz (between Poland and Germany) makes it easier for interested people on the Polish side to participate. On the other hand, German professors, lecturers and industry experts come to the courses. You could say they meet halfway.
However, the language barrier was a problem, as practically none of the participants knew enough German to learn such difficult material. Therefore, the organizers decided to offer the option of simultaneous translation, i.e. the lectures of German professors are continuously translated.
Each participant also receives teaching materials in Polish. However, informal conversations were mainly held in English. For the lessons, thanks to the kindness of the owners, a campus was created for the duration of the meetings at the “Gut am See” castle complex (a disused brown coal mining area) located directly on Lake Berzdorf. The unique atmosphere and the idyllic location directly on the lake always create favorable learning conditions and promote rest and regeneration.
Trend – green hydrogen
The trend towards green hydrogen began in western Germany a few years ago. The “Hydrogen for Specialists and Managers” program has been successfully implemented in Oldenburg since then. This trend is now also emerging in eastern Germany and is continuing further east.
Experts of Studium Wodoru are trying to stay close to what is happening in Germany and at the same time closely monitoring the changes in Poland. Germany already has a very high level of hydrogen know-how, which is reflected, among other things, in the large number of hydrogen installations. The course is now intended to provide an opportunity to train qualified Polish personnel.
The information and knowledge transfer has so far mainly taken place in one direction (east), but some ideas and suggestions from Polish lessons are also being incorporated into the German edition.
Keep one’s ear to the ground
Studium Wodoru employees actively participate in trade fairs, conferences and important events, such as the Hannover Messe 2024 ((s. Hzwei-Heft Juli 2024). Studium Wodoru is a member of the German-Polish Wind Energy Club, the Polish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Europa Forum association, which, like the Polish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce is a platform for establishing contacts for companies from Poland and Germany.
Representatives of the H2-Studium also took part in this year’s Hydrogen Forum at the Siemens Innovation Campus in Görlitz. The company also cooperates with the QLEE Association – Qualification Association in Lusatia for Renewable Energies, which has been supporting the energy transition for several years. Studium Wodoru is in constant contact with representatives of local authorities and the German consulate in Wroclaw. The European city of Görlitz/Zgorzelec is the sponsorship of the Polish edition of the “Hydrogen for TOP Managers” program.
What do hydrogen studies offer?
With the support of mentors, students gain the ability to evaluate projects from different perspectives: from the perspective of a designer, an investor and a user. The courses provide know-how in the field of technology, legal issues and financing. After completing the program, participants have expert knowledge in the planning and implementation of hydrogen projects.
It is important that during the classes each participant receives an entry ticket to the H2 network and valuable contacts, not only in Poland or Germany. The course ends with an exam and the receipt of a prestigious certificate from the University of Oldenburg (Certificate of Advanced Studies).
Training course conducted by EMD International A/S
Studium Wodoru invited the best experts, including practitioners, to collaborate. For example, EMD International A/S from Denmark, whose representative conducted courses on their software for planning hydrogen plants. During the exercises, the students carried out calculations for a group project and individual work, among other things. The course received very high marks from the students, who also received a monthly license to use the software after completing the training.
Networking
Networking is an important part of the course. The Alumni Forum takes place once a year in Oldenburg. During the course, each participant is given access to the e-learning platform, a database of graduates of the hydrogen course. As soon as you say “good morning”, you will also be included in this huge network of H2 contacts.
Some representatives of Studium Wodoru Team are already making plans for the future and want to address their offer to interested parties from the Czech Republic and Ukraine, among others.
Lectures, case studies and individual projects
The “Hydrogen for TOP Managers” program is aimed at managers of various companies and institutions who understand the need for a rapid energy transition. Specialized knowledge in the field of future technologies is increasingly in demand in consulting and law firms, banks and insurance companies. The need for a qualified team is particularly evident in transport, energy and industrial companies – in the automotive, chemical and steel industries.
The study program is divided into three sequences. In individual meetings, topics such as how fuel cells work, the political framework and the stakeholder environment are discussed. There are also topics related to hydrogen technology, business models and the legal framework.
Sequence I – Hydrogen functions, policy framework and stakeholder environment
- Potential functions of hydrogen in the decarbonisation of the energy system.
- The role of EU policy and Member Countries in the market introduction of hydrogen.
- Hydrogen strategy and green hydrogen market in Germany.
- Current obstacles to the widespread use of hydrogen.
- Measures at the policy level to promote hydrogen across the board.
- A look at the landscape of market participants.
- Sources of investment financing, KPO, European and national funds.
- Administrative decisions in the process of developing hydrogen projects.
Sequence II – Hydrogen technology
- Hydrogen – “Facts, facts, facts…!”
- Hydrogen production – “Every beginning is…?” Electricity is the best!”
- Types of electrolyzers, technology, supplier overview, market trends.
- What does a green hydrogen plant consist of, selection of components.
- Hydrogen storage – “And please pack…!”
- Hydrogen transport – “We are looking for elements with which we could travel…!”
- Applications of hydrogen – fire and flame. And much more…!
- Green hydrogen in transport.
- Hydrogen in heating.
- Hydrogen and green ammonia.
- Synthetic fuels Power2Fuel.
- Green hydrogen from biomass.
- Use of various renewable energy technologies for hydrogen production.
- IT tools for planning hydrogen plants.
Sequence III – Value creation, business models, legal framework and technical activities
- Energy industry and legal framework.
- Hydrogen: energy market perspective, HPA and PPA contracts.
- Sales markets and platforms for green hydrogen.
- Implementation projects: design, profitability and business models.
- Due diligence of hydrogen projects.
- Safety of hydrogen projects, technical and legal requirements.
- Maintenance and use.
- Optimization of hydrogen projects.
Importantly, participants also carry out a technical project (case study) along with models of administrative decisions and financial analysis. The project covers various aspects of hydrogen technologies (technical properties, process engineering, business models, permits, financing and operational management). This gives them concrete insights into the implementation of projects in practice.
Work is carried out in teams of a maximum of eight people. The result of the work is a finished business plan for the special purpose vehicle. At the end of the work, the groups carry out a professional due diligence (DD) of the project of the competing group. When working on the project, each group can count on the support of the coordinator not only during the lessons, but also outside of the lessons via the e-learning platform, e-mail contact or teleconference.
In addition, each participant creates his own, individual project on the topic of hydrogen: in the form of a project concept, a business plan for his own plant or as a problem study for the area of the economy surrounding hydrogen.
Trip to LEAG in Boxberg
Excursions
As part of the hydrogen course, trips to hydrogen-related companies in Germany are organized. There are still no green hydrogen production plants in Poland, although the country is the third largest hydrogen consumer in Europe. Therefore, hydrogen producers, manufacturers of hydrogen production and storage equipment, and companies that use green hydrogen are very interesting for Polish participants. Study trips offer a platform to combine theory and practice. In the first edition, the participants visited the LEAG power plant in Boxberg, the Sunfire company in Dresden, the steelworks in Saltzgitter and also took advantage of the invitation from Siemens Energy in Görlitz.
Fireside evening
Each seminar is connected to the so-called fireside evening. This is a meeting with a mentor who talks about his experience in the industry and the projects and tasks he was involved in. It is also an opportunity for integration and exchange of experiences and opinions between the participants of Studium Wodoru. We are pleased to announce that Sven Geitmann from Hydrogeit Publishing House has accepted the invitation as a guest in the second edition of Studium Wodoru.
Detailed information about the “Hydrogen for TOP Managers” program can be found at: www.studiumwodoru.pl
Author: Julia Glapińska, Studium Wodoru, Görlitz
