Hydrogen energy as an alternative to burning lignite coal
The Rhine region, home to a high density of research institutions and trained specialists, is poised to transition from its traditional reliance on brown coal as an energy source to a key hub for the hydrogen economy by 2030. This shift is driven by several current plans and potential benefits aimed at transforming the energy system and industrial landscape.
One of the significant initiatives is the H2Valley RheinRuhr Project, a major funding application submitted to the EU for €20 million. This project, involving 33 partners from industry, research, municipalities, and civil society, seeks to establish the Rhine-Ruhr area as a "Hydrogen Valley" showcase region. The project aligns with EU goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
Another key development is the Hydrogen Transport Network in the Upper Rhine, which will provide consumers with a network transporting 100% hydrogen from 2029, supporting the development of a green hydrogen infrastructure.
In the realm of mobility, H2 Mobility has secured a multi-year agreement with Air Liquide to supply up to 1,000 tonnes of RFNBO-certified renewable green hydrogen annually from a 20MW electrolyser plant in Oberhausen. This supply will serve hydrogen refuelling stations for trucks and buses in the Rhine-Ruhr region, supporting the target to operate all H2 Mobility sites with green hydrogen by 2028, replacing fossil-based hydrogen.
However, these initiatives face challenges, including setbacks such as E.ON's cancellation of a 20MW green hydrogen plant in Essen and withdrawal from the H2.Ruhr project. This reflects investor skepticism regarding regulatory stability and economic viability in Germany’s hydrogen sector.
Despite these hurdles, the Rhine-Ruhr region stands to gain significant environmental and economic benefits. It could become a leading example in Europe for shifting from fossil fuels to a renewable, hydrogen-based energy system, strongly contributing to EU climate targets. The decarbonization of industry and transport sectors, predominant in the area, will be aided by the hydrogen infrastructure and supply advancements, fostering CO2 emissions reductions.
Moreover, the collaboration among over 50 stakeholders across borders and sectors will drive innovation, create jobs, and attract investment in hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. The region's strategic initiatives promise an economic growth and innovation boost, with the potential to generate up to 700 million euros in revenue and create up to 4,500 jobs in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry by 2030.
In addition to the hydrogen economy, another key pillar in the Rhine region is the expansion of renewable energies, specifically wind turbines. However, the technology for storage options in the Rhine region, in combination with renewable energies, is still lacking, except for hydrogen.
As the Rhine region moves towards a hydrogen-based economy, it faces challenges but also stands to reap significant benefits. The transition promises to solidify the region as a European hydrogen economy leader by 2030, contributing to the EU's climate ambitions and fostering economic growth and innovation.
- The renewable-energy industry in the Rhine region is focused on securing financing, as evidenced by the H2Valley RheinRuhr Project's €20 million funding application to the EU.
- The aerospace and business sectors will benefit from the hydrogen infrastructure and supply advancements, as the Rhine region aims to become a leading example in Europe for shifting from fossil fuels to a renewable, hydrogen-based energy system.
- The collaboration in the hydrogen sector between multiple stakeholders in the Rhine region, including research institutions, businesses, municipalities, and civil society, will drive innovation and create jobs, ultimately contributing to revenue generation and job creation in the renewable-energy and fuel cell industry by 2030.
