Europe's Green Hydrogen Future: Limited Imports, Expanding Infrastructure
Key Ideas
  • Europe's demand for green hydrogen by 2050 can be largely met through domestic production, with only 10% potentially needing to be imported.
  • Key European locations like the UK, Norway, Germany, and France would host initial electrolysers, with sunny spots in southern Europe to be added later.
  • Green hydrogen is crucial for decarbonizing stubborn sectors like heavy industry and aviation, with Germany aiming to lead in hydrogen technologies.
  • Despite challenges like costs and alternative availability, the EU and Germany are focused on establishing the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production and transport.
Researchers from Germany's Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Integrated Energy Systems (CINES) have analyzed different scenarios for Europe's green hydrogen demand in 2050, concluding that a significant portion can be met domestically. Even in the high-demand scenario, only 10% might need to be imported, mainly from northern Africa. Setting up electrolysers at wind energy-rich locations like coastal regions of the UK, Norway, and Germany will be the initial focus, with southern European sites like the Iberian Peninsula to be included later. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable electricity, is deemed essential for sectors with stubborn emissions like heavy industry and aviation. Despite doubts from some experts regarding the feasibility of green hydrogen at a large scale due to costs and physical limitations, countries like Germany are pushing ahead. Germany, aiming to be a global leader in hydrogen, plans to import a significant portion due to local renewable energy constraints. The country is repurposing old gas pipelines and investing in new infrastructure for a hydrogen grid, with plans for fuel distribution starting next year. The EU and Germany's commitment to expanding hydrogen infrastructure reflects a positive sentiment towards green hydrogen in the context of decarbonization and sustainable energy transitions.
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