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Green hydrogen for emissions-free steel production

Green hydrogen for emissions-free steel production

Possible development of German crude steel production until 2050, © LBST

Possible development of German crude steel production until 2050, © LBST

Green hydrogen is the future of the German steel industry, which is currently facing major pressure to change due to the challenges of climate protection and increasing international competition. Through H2-aided steel production by direct reduction (DR), on the one hand, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the steel sector can virtually be avoided and, on the other, the industry of Germany can once again demonstrate its strength in innovation. With this in view, energy consultancy Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik (LBST) is busy preparing a new analysis in the form of a metastudy on behalf of the German hydrogen and fuel cell association (Deutscher Wasserstoff- und Brennstoffzellen-Verband, DWV) in cooperation with DWV’s special advisory group HySteel on the role of green hydrogen in the steel industry. (more…)

Reflection and perspective on PtX

Reflection and perspective on PtX

PtX landscape in Germany (stations in operation or being constructed), © LBST

PtX landscape in Germany, © LBST

The progression of PtX technologies within the last two decades, starting in Germany, seems to have developed into a success story, with currently more than 900 projects worldwide. At this time, a transition from small laboratory-scale pilot projects to large-scale commercial use can be observed. The PtX activities up to now have been followed and analyzed by LBST, who will continue to in the future. (more…)

Volker Blandow is dead

A longstanding member of the H2 community died in May 2022 after a serious illness: Volker Blandow. The former employee at Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH (see also report on p. 42) had a major hand in the fact that LBST has made a name for itself as a hydrogen engineering firm far beyond the borders of Germany. With his great wealth of knowledge and his conscientiousness, he has made a fundamental contribution to advancing the energy transition and the transformation now taking place in the direction of a hydrogen society. Condolences were expressed from the many institutions for which Blandow had so diligently worked over the years – LBST, Green City AG, TÜV Süd. The passing of Volker Blandow has left a great hole.

Hydrogen in National Energy and Climate Plans

Hydrogen in National Energy and Climate Plans

Opportunities from the inclusion of hydrogen in NECPs

© Trinomics/LBST
© Trinomics/LBST

Ambitious energy and climate policy requires a determined, holistic and coordinated approach and implementation. The National Energy and Climate Plans, NECPs, represent the key mechanism for reporting on future policy between European Union member states and the European Commission in a consistent way. They are used by the commission to monitor EU-wide progress in achieving the 2030 targets and to identify necessary actions. The latest reporting period considered a 10-year timespan between 2021 and 2030. The draft NECPs were submitted by EU countries at the end of 2018 whereas the final version was due by the end of 2019 after a detailed assessment by the commission. In the context of hydrogen all EU member states are encouraged to develop and implement their own strategies to enable hydrogen deployment taking the European framework and guidance into account.

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Hydrogen, a global priority

Hydrogen, a global priority

© weltenergierat.de/international-hydrogen-strategies
© weltenergierat.de/international-hydrogen-strategies

Comparing national policies

A year rich in change, 2020 brought a host of challenges and opportunities to the fore, as well as a new chance for the hydrogen sector to shine. Captivating both politics and the public, the sector experienced unparalleled dynamic. The industry recently received another boost as governments around the world published national hydrogen strategies, aiming to get in on the ground floor. Some also forged global partnerships to help their countries usher in an era of energy independence.

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