Monat: Dezember 2022

A primer on Green Hydrogen in Europe [2022]

A primer on Green Hydrogen in Europe [2022]

In this article, we are describing why green hydrogen is essential for Europe – and we are giving plenty of background information.

Why is green hydrogen important?

Green hydrogen is an essential tool for achieving a sustainable and carbonfree future. It is created through the electrolysis of water, and the process produces no carbon emissions. This is a major benefit compared to the production of hydrogen through traditional methods, which rely on natural gas and produce carbon dioxide. By investing in green hydrogen technologies, we can reduce our dependence on nonrenewable energy sources and create a more sustainable and clean energy future. Green hydrogen can also be used as a storage medium for renewable energy, allowing us to make use of the intermittent nature of renewable sources like solar and wind. This can help to make more efficient use of renewable energy resources and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

What is the exact hydrogen production process?

Hydrogen is produced through a process called electrolysis, which involves passing an electrical current through water. During this process, the water molecules are broken down into hydrogen and oxygen. Specialized machines called electrolyzers are necessary to carry out this process. Electrolyzers use electricity to split the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases, which are then stored in tanks or compressed into liquid form.

In which industries is hydrogen used?

Hydrogen is used in many industries, including:

  • Energy: Hydrogen is used to generate power through fuel cells, which can be used to power cars, buildings, and other applications.
  • Chemical: Hydrogen is used in the production of chemicals, such as ammonia and methanol.
  • Pharmaceutical: Hydrogen is used in the production of drugs and other pharmaceuticals.
  • Food: Hydrogen is used in food processing, such as hydrogenation of oils and fats.
  • Metallurgy: Hydrogen is used in metal refining and welding.
  • Automotive: Hydrogen is used in fuel cells to power cars.
  • Aerospace: Hydrogen is used as a fuel source in some rockets and aircraft.

What are the main challenges for the introduction of European green hydrogen?

  1. Cost: Currently, green hydrogen is still more expensive than gray hydrogen due to the higher cost of renewable energy and electrolysis. However, this could have changed through skyrocketing gas and electricity prices in 2023. 
  2. Infrastructure: Developing the necessary infrastructure to transport, store and distribute green hydrogen is complex and costly.
  3. Regulatory framework: Clear policies and regulations need to be established to incentivize the use of green hydrogen and to ensure its integration into existing markets.
  4. Public acceptance: There is a need to increase public awareness and acceptance of green hydrogen, as well as its potential benefits.
  5. Technology: The development of efficient and costeffective technologies to produce, store, transport, and use green hydrogen is still in its early stages.

Current green hydrogen projects in Europe

In the following paragraph, we are highlighting multiple green hydrogen projects in Europe.

Iberdrola and the Port of Rotterdam Partner to Establish Supply Chain for Green Hydrogen

Iberdrola and the Port of Rotterdam are collaborating to establish a supply chain for importing and distributing green hydrogen and its derivatives to meet the expected demand in the Netherlands and Northwest Europe. The memorandum of understanding includes the potential development of a local electrolyser in the Rotterdam Industrial Cluster, which would enable additional production of green hydrogen. Iberdrola has identified the Netherlands as a key market for the green hydrogen economy since it is Europes second largest consumer of hydrogen after Germany. The Port of Rotterdam is aiming to supply up to 4.6m tonnes of green hydrogen to the region annually by 2030.

Repsol, Naturgy, and Reganosa Team Up for Renewable Hydrogen Production Centre in Galicia

Repsol, together with energy companies Naturgy and Reganosa are gearing up to establish a facility that will generate renewable hydrogen in Galicia. The project will part of the former Meirama thermal power plant located in Cerceda, featuring an electrolysis plant solely powered by renewable energy. The facility has an initial capacity of 30MW and is capable of being further increased to a total potential of 200MW. When in full swing, the plant will be able to produce upwards of 30,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per annum. The renewable hydrogen produced here is intended to replace the traditional hydrogen used at the Repsol refinery in A Coruna, as well as supplying other sectors, including transportation and the gas grid. This is crucial in a bid to significantly reduce local carbon footprints. Tomas Malango, Repsols Hydrogen Director, said to highlight the significance of the project:It provides an important foundation for the transformation of the A Coruna refinery into a multienergy hub that supplies society with decarbonized products. Likewise, Silvia Sanjoaquin, Director of New Business of Naturgy, notes how the venture will not just help to meet the target of becoming carbon neutral, but also boost the regional economy. This project is another step towards Repsol’s goal of achieving zero net emissions by 2050, as well as freeing up the national energy supply.

Tree Energy Solutions and EWE Join Forces to Create 1GW Green Hydrogen Hub in Wilhelmshaven

Tree Energy Solutions and EWE have just announced an agreement to install and operate a 500MW electrolyser in TES green energy hub in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Deployment is scheduled to begin in 2028 and a second unit of the same size is slated to join the hub, resulting in a total capacity of 1GW. This hub is positioned to attract untapped renewable energy, such as offshore wind, to generate green hydrogen for national consumption. The two companies stated that the Memorandum of Understanding marks the substantial strides being made towards Wilhelmshaven becoming an intersection for green energy movements within Europe and their respective goals of providing affordable energy. Helping to transform Wilhelmshaven into an energy hub is in line with our efforts to transcend from fossil fuels and transition to a sustainable energy future,“ said Marco Alvera‚, CEO of Tree Energy Solutions. Dr Urban Keussen, CTO of EWE, expressed thatwithout hydrogen for energy transition, climate neutrality, and a transition from fossil fuels will not be possible.“ He further bolstered the significance of Wilhelmshaven as anenergy hub,“ and the intent of the collaboration to develop a green hydrogen market and contribute relevant expertise.

Further articles about hydrogen in Europe

Exploring Opportunities for Hydrogen Production in the North Sea

European Commission Approves Funding for Groundbreaking Green Hydrogen Station in Cyprus

2023: Will Hydrogen be the Future of Energy?

Schaeffler and Lhyfe: Pioneering the Way to a Greener Future

Schaeffler and Lhyfe: Pioneering the Way to a Greener Future

Green hydrogen company Lhyfe and automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler have signed a deal to increase the production of hydrogen gas. The agreement will see an electrolysis plant built at Schaeffler’s Bavarian factory in Germany, with a capacity of up to 15MW. This will allow for the creation of green hydrogen on an industrial scale, as well as supplying other organisations with it to aid decarbonisation in the region. This comes after Lhyfe began its first UK operation in North East England, aiming to identify opportunities to deploy production facilities that support the country’s net zero ambitions. The partnership between Schaeffler and Lhyfe is expected to provide Bavaria with around 3.7 tonnes of green hydrogen per day from 2025 onwards, which could be used by municipalities and hydrogen filling stations. The waste heat generated by electrolysis will be fed into the industrial processes within the Schaeffler plant. Luc Graré, head of Central and Eastern Europe at Lhyfe, commented: “We are proud to support a giant company like the Schaeffler AG in its transformation towards a climate-neutral production by 2030. Large-scale projects like this one demonstrate the readiness of the technology, providing confidence and security in the market while strengthening investment appetite. Andreas Schick, member of the board of managing directors for production, supply chain management and purchasing at Schaeffler AG added: “Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energies is key for us achieving our goal of climate-neutral production by 2030. By partnering with Lhyfe we have managed to team up with one of the most innovative companies to execute a green hydrogen plant on our premises in Herzogenaurach – showing our commitment to sustainability and hydrogen technology.

Summary

  • Schaeffler and Lhyfe have reached an agreement to build an electrolysis plant in Bavaria, Germany.
  • The move will help drive decarbonisation across the region by supplying other organisations with green hydrogen.
  • The goal of the Schaeffler partnership is to supply Bavaria with approximately 3.7 tonnes of green hydrogen per day, starting in 2025.

What benefits does the partnership between Lhyfe and Schaeffler offer to other organisations and potential customers in Bavaria?

The partnership between Lhyfe and Schaeffler offers other organisations and potential customers in Bavaria access to green hydrogen, waste heat for industrial processes, and confidence and security in the market.
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Unlocking the Potential of Green Hydrogen: BP and HyCC’s H2-Fifty Project Receives Dutch Government Funding

Unlocking the Potential of Green Hydrogen: BP and HyCC’s H2-Fifty Project Receives Dutch Government Funding

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The Dutch government has granted funding to BP and HyCC’s proposed 250MW green hydrogen project, H2-Fifty, in Rotterdam. This follows the European Commission’s recognition of H2-Fifty as an Important Project of Common European Interest for its contribution to decarbonizing European industries. The green hydrogen produced by the project will be used to reduce CO2 emissions from refineries, steel production, aviation, and shipping.

HyCC Chief Executive Stijn van Els expressed his gratitude for the support and recognition of H2-Fifty, saying it will help scale up the production of green hydrogen to achieve a net-zero economy. Karen de Lathouder, BP Chief Executive for the Netherlands added that H2-Fifty is part of BP’s mission to reimagine energy and they are looking forward to collaborating with HyCC and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy on this project.

Summary

  • BP and HyCC’s proposed 250MW green hydrogen project in Rotterdam, H2-Fifty, has been selected by the Dutch government to receive grant funding.
  • H2-Fifty proposes to produce green hydrogen that will be used to help decarbonize industry and heavy transport in the region.
  • BP and HyCC are collaborating with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy to realize Dutch green hydrogen ambitions.

What are the goals of H2-Fifty and how does it contribute to decarbonizing European industries?

The goal of H2-Fifty is to produce green hydrogen that will be used to decarbonize industry and heavy transport in the region, contributing to the European Commission’s vision of a net-zero economy./n
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Picture source: Stijn Hanegraaf

Bluefield Solar’s Acquisition of 46 Megawatt Solar Portfolio: A Step Towards a Greener Future

Bluefield Solar’s Acquisition of 46 Megawatt Solar Portfolio: A Step Towards a Greener Future

Bluefield Solar has recently acquired an operational solar portfolio from Fengate Asset Management, with a capacity of over 46 megawatts. The portfolio consists of two ground mounted solar photovoltaic farms; the 39.3 megawatt Raventhorpe plant located in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire and the 7.1 megawatt Roanhead facility located in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

The enterprise value of the portfolio is £56 million, which includes all cashflows from May 2022. Both sites are accredited under the Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) regime with a tariff of 1.4 ROCs. It is estimated that between 2022 and 2035, approximately 60% of revenues will come from contracted and regulated sources.

With this acquisition, Bluefield Solar’s total installed capacity has grown to 813 megawatts. John Scott, Chairman of Bluefield Solar said: “We are pleased to have acquired this high-quality portfolio of operating assets from Fengate Asset Management. This portfolio contains a large proportion of contracted and regulated revenues which adds to our existing development pipeline for new build solar and storage projects.“

Summary

  • Bluefield Solar has acquired an operational solar portfolio with a capacity of over 46MW.
  • The enterprise value of the portfolio is £56m, including the economic benefit of all cashflows from May 2022.
  • In the period 2022 to 2035, the proportion of contracted and regulated revenues from the portfolio is projected to be approximately 60%.

What is the total installed capacity of Bluefield Solar following the acquisition?

Following the acquisition, the total installed capacity of Bluefield Solar’s portfolio is 813MWp./n
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Picture source: Ronnie George

EIB and Iberdrola Partner to Accelerate Portugal’s Energy Transition with €150m Investment

EIB and Iberdrola Partner to Accelerate Portugal’s Energy Transition with €150m Investment

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Iberdrola have joined forces to promote Portugal’s energy transition by developing new renewable energy plants. The EU bank has provided a €70m green loan for the construction of a portfolio of projects with an overall capacity of 188MW. These solar PV plants, located in the Portuguese regions of Algarve, Centro, Alentejo and Lisbon, will generate enough electricity to meet the average consumption needs of more than 65,000 households.

In addition to the solar power plants, the financing package also includes infrastructure such as access roads, substations and interconnections. The total investment is estimated at €150m. EIB Vice-President Ricardo Mourinho Felix commented: “This project is a great example of how the EIB – Europe’s climate bank – can work together with Iberdrola – a global leader in renewables – to support Europe’s green recovery and energy security.“ Jose Sainz, Iberdrolas Chief Financial Officer added: „This collaboration with the EIB is an important step forward for our projects in Portugal. It reinforces our commitment to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels through increased use of renewable energy sources.“

Summary

  • The EU bank will provide a €70m green loan for the construction of a portfolio of projects with a total capacity of around 188MW.
  • The financing will go to five solar PV plants and their connections to the grid, located in the Portuguese regions of Algarve, Centro, Alentejo and Lisbon.
  • These new facilities will produce green and competitive energy equivalent to the average consumption of more than 65,000 households.

What projects are being funded by the new agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Iberdrola?

The projects being funded by the new agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Iberdrola are five solar PV plants and their connections to the grid, located in the Portuguese regions of Algarve, Centro, Alentejo and Lisbon.
Picture source: Christian Wiediger

US GDP Growth Boosts Markets: Positive Reactions to Economic Expansion

US GDP Growth Boosts Markets: Positive Reactions to Economic Expansion

The markets are reacting strongly to the news that America’s gross domestic product (GDP) is growing at a healthy rate. In summary, the markets have reacted positively to the news of strong economic growth in the United States.

Understanding GDP

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a measure of the value of all goods and services produced by an economy in a given period of time. It is one of the most widely used indicators to measure the economic health of a nation, as it provides an indication of the total output of goods and services within a country. GDP is also used to compare economic performance between countries, as well as to track changes in living standards over time. By understanding GDP, economists can better assess the overall strength and stability of an economy.
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Picture source: Richard Horvath

Exploring the Possibilities of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: An Update from the Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy

Exploring the Possibilities of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: An Update from the Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is supporting research, development, and demonstration projects for the development of vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research through the National Chemical Laboratory has also undertaken RD&D projects on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These technologies are still in the pilot stage of development and cost estimates and timelines for setting up this industry are currently not available. This information was given by Shri R.K Singh, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in a written reply to Rajya Sabha today. In summary, research is being done to develop vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel, but it is still in its early stages with no cost estimates or timelines available yet.

Environmental Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel

Hydrogen fuel is a clean and renewable energy source that can help reduce carbon emissions. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel does not produce any harmful pollutants when burned. In addition to its environmental benefits, hydrogen fuel can also be used in a variety of applications, from powering vehicles to providing energy for homes and businesses. Moreover, the production of hydrogen fuel is relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of energy. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the convenience and comfort of modern living.
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Picture source: Federico Beccari

Nel Hydrogen Inc. Signs $17 Million Agreement for Delivery of 16 Hydrogen Fueling Stations

Nel Hydrogen Inc. Signs $17 Million Agreement for Delivery of 16 Hydrogen Fueling Stations

Nel ASA’s subsidiary, Nel Hydrogen Inc., has signed a Capacity Reservation Agreement (CRA) with an undisclosed US energy company for the delivery of 16 hydrogen fueling stations. The value of the CRA is estimated to be around $7 million, and the final purchase order including the CRA fee is expected to be around $17 million. Manufacturing of the equipment will begin when a final purchase order is signed, and delivery is scheduled to start in Q4 2023 and continue throughout 2024. In summary, Nel Hydrogen Inc. has agreed to provide 16 hydrogen fueling stations to an undisclosed US energy company for a total estimated cost of $17 million.

Hydrogen as a Renewable Fuel Source

Hydrogen is quickly becoming an important renewable energy source due to its abundance and versatility. It can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity, and burned in internal combustion engines for transportation. Hydrogen can also be used in homes and businesses to heat water, cook food, and provide other forms of energy. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are now available from many major car manufacturers, making them more accessible than ever before. In addition, hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that produces no emissions when burned, making it an ideal choice for reducing air pollution. With its many benefits, it’s no wonder hydrogen is becoming an increasingly popular renewable energy source.
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Whitby Residents Wary of Proposed Hydrogen Conversion Trial

Whitby Residents Wary of Proposed Hydrogen Conversion Trial

In this article, BBC Environment Correspondent Jonah Fisher discusses a proposed trial in Whitby, England to convert 2,000 homes from natural gas to hydrogen. Residents are concerned about the safety of the hydrogen and feel like they are being treated like guinea pigs. The government and gas companies say that although hydrogen is more explosive than natural gas, additional measures will be put in place to make it as safe. However, experts have expressed their doubts about this. If the trial goes ahead, residents will be provided with free appliances and supplied with hydrogen at the same price as natural gas for two years. Some residents are supportive of this proposal as they believe it will benefit the environment.

The Importance of Safety

Safety is an important consideration in all areas of life, from the workplace to the home. It is essential to ensure that safety protocols are followed in order to protect both people and property. This includes following proper safety guidelines when operating machinery or equipment, using protective gear when necessary, being aware of potential hazards, and maintaining a safe environment by regularly inspecting for potential risks. Taking these steps can help reduce the chances of accidents and injuries, making it easier to enjoy everyday activities without having to worry about danger.
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Picture source: Tommy Krombacher

US Economy Booms as Markets React Positively to Strong GDP Reading

US Economy Booms as Markets React Positively to Strong GDP Reading

The markets are reacting strongly to the news of America’s strong Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reading. In short, the US economy is doing well and investors are responding positively.

GDP and the Global Economy

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a measure of the value of goods and services produced in an economy over a given period of time. It is one of the main indicators used to gauge the health of a country’s economy. GDP is also used to compare different countries and their economic performance, as it provides information about national income, output, and expenditure. As such, changes in GDP can have significant impacts on global markets and economies. For example, when a country’s GDP increases, it can lead to increased trade opportunities for other countries, which in turn can help stimulate economic growth around the world.
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