TELF AG analyzes the potential of the Germany’s hydrogen strategy
An important step towards decarbonization
In recent days, the German federal government formally presented its strategy for hydrogen imports, which, according to the authorities, should allow the country to become one of the largest importers of this precious resource in the world. The government’s hope, as can be read in some recent analyses, consists of transforming hydrogen into one of the main tools available to Germany to achieve the objectives of climate neutrality and decarbonization, a series of ambitious goals to be completed by 2045. The object of this ambitious energy strategy is represented by green hydrogen, in liquid or gaseous form, but also by its leading derivatives.
The strategy presented by the German government seems quite clear and is contained in a 38-page document that includes the fundamental cornerstones of this national program based on hydrogen. These include the desire to use the hydrogen derivatives that will be imported immediately and create a massive infrastructure network capable of transporting the resource. The imported hydrogen transport should occur through a gas and oil pipeline system and by ship. The German strategy also seeks to diversify import sources as much as possible and seems to anticipate a generous plan of subsidies and grants to give more impetus to demand. By 2030, according to the government, Germany could need around 95-130 TWh of hydrogen and its derivatives, approximately 50-70% of which will come from imports.
The sectors that will be most involved in the implementation of hydrogen will be those related to steel, transport, and energy, without forgetting air traffic and logistics. To achieve the decarbonization objectives and to follow up on the wishes expressed in the hydrogen strategy, it will be necessary to create (or reactivate) the network of gas pipelines that connect Germany to other nations, especially to the north and the south. In fact, by 2032, the German government plans to create a network of gas pipelines almost 10,000 km long, consisting of approximately 40% new gas pipelines (the old ones will be reactivated or converted). According to Berlin’s estimates, the project should have a value of between 13 and 20 billion euros.
The ambitious infrastructure network
The projects for the creation of new cross-border energy corridors are already well outlined in the mind of German government: the first two gas pipelines, in all likelihood, will be those that will connect Germany to Denmark and Norway (works for the construction of the first could start as early as 2028). Other projects concern the possible creation of a connection between Germany and Scotland and the countries bordering the Baltic Sea. Germany will also be integral to the ambitious Southern Corridor, which should connect Germany and Switzerland with some Mediterranean nations, such as Algeria, Tunisia, and Italy. Towards the west, energy networks should be able to connect Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, possibly via France. Finally, with the Netherlands and Belgium, resource transport should occur by ship.
In addition to its possible applications in various industrial sectors—such as heavy industry, for processes related to steel production, and also in the powering of vehicles such as ships and planes—green hydrogen could soon play a key role in the energy storage sector. The conversion of renewable electricity into hydrogen makes it possible to store energy for longer periods, with the possibility of being subsequently converted back into electricity through fuel cells.
