How and where can green hydrogen be used efficiently in industry? The GREAT H2 research project investigated this for two years - and has now celebrated its conclusion. Under the leadership of ThEEN e.V., the HySON Institute celebrated the end of the project with a specialist conference on the results.
The researchers used what they described as a new method in their investigations, which they applied to ten individual companies and the Hermsdorf industrial cluster. The conference focused on their research findings on the decarbonization of industrial companies in the glass, ceramics and metal sectors. The project participants also presented their transformation concept for the Hermsdorfer Kreuz industrial cluster.
The cross-company approach of the industrial cluster includes all suitable technologies and operator models, from energy generation to sector coupling and energy management through to use across all energy sectors.
Overall, the researchers stated that a decentralized H₂ supply is a sensible entry option for a group of companies. The integration of expertise from the renewable energy sector and local energy suppliers would be conducive to rapid implementation.
Key to decarbonization: shared energy infrastructure
Among other things, the participants reported on a study on the decarbonization of the energy supply on the Tridelta Campus Hermsdorf. The "synergy potential" discovered in the process should make the supply cheaper and more reliable.
Industrial companies in Thuringia are currently being asked to communicate their hydrogen requirements to the network operators. The aim is for all companies with a need to be connected to the planned hydrogen pipelines. The pipelines along the A4 are to be created by rededicating natural gas pipelines. In addition, the GREAT H2 research team has developed a comprehensive guideline for the production of green hydrogen, which includes technical, regulatory and economic parameters.
Overall, the demonstration project showed how companies with thermal production processes can convert their natural gas requirements to the use of hydrogen. However, further research and development is needed to test the technical feasibility of industrial hydrogen applications. However, the results of the GREAT H2 project could provide an important basis for this.
