Hydrogen in concrete terms: Which solutions can be seen in Hanover
With a simultaneous focus on climate protection and security of supply, the time seems ripe to set the course for hydrogen. The topic is also increasingly coming into focus at the Hanover Fair.
The German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) is certain: “The dependence on Russian natural gas and other fossil fuels can already be replaced in the medium term by an ambitious ramp-up of green, climate-neutral gases.” The domestic production of renewable gases is one of them building block more important. According to the DVGW, around 300 TWh of renewable gases can be produced domestically in Germany in 2030.
For the hydrogen ramp-up, the association defines the construction of 40 GW of electrolysis capacity in Germany as a value to be aimed at quickly. “Contrary to popular belief, hydrogen need not remain in short supply,” says a DVGW paper from March of this year. According to this, industry, vehicles and buildings could be supplied with an energy volume of 850 TWh by 2045. By importing green hydrogen, a supply of around 2,000 TWh would even be conceivable in the long term. According to the DVGW, this corresponds to at least twice the energy that will be required in the climate-neutral Germany of the future. In order to tap this potential, the DVGW has identified nine major fields of action.
Key role in security of supply and climate protection
The CEO of Deutsche Messe AG, Dr. Jochen Köckler, identified in the run-up to the Hanover Fair. When it comes to the CO2-neutral production and the security of energy supply in Europe, regenerative energies and green hydrogen play a key role. Many companies are already moving forward with concrete solutions, some of which will be on display at the Hannover Messe. For example, Bosch is presenting a hydrogen cycle in which green hydrogen is obtained for industrial processes.
Emerson (Hall 13, Stand B54) will also show innovative hydrogen solutions. Among other things, the focus is on a specially manufactured hydrogen skid. This is controlled by the “DeltaV” process control system, safety instrumented system and operator interface software that Emerson says ensures safety, uptime and operational efficiency. The skid is equipped with an Emerson Micro Motion Coriolis HPC015 flowmeter, specifically designed for high-pressure hydrogen dispensing applications where measurement accuracy and safety are critical, the company says. Arthur Gosling, Director Strategic Sales & Sustainability DACH at Emerson, is certain: “The global transition to sustainable energy is driving the demand for hydrogen, which represents a viable option for both vehicles and energy systems.”
Complete system for transport and storage
The company Voss Fluid (Hall 13, Stand D53) supports its appearance at the Hannover Messe 2022 exclusively with the energy carrier hydrogen. The Wipperfürth-based company emphasizes that the location of the exhibition area in the “Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe” area sets an example. The focus of the product presentation is, among other things, the high-density tube forming system “Voss Lok 40”, which was recently certified for highly sensitive hydrogen applications. In addition, Voss Fluid has expanded the range of services through the new partnership with HypTec GmbH to include efficient high-pressure valve components. The solutions from Voss Fluid are now used in electrolysis, the transport and storage of hydrogen and in fuel cell systems. The company emphasizes that the use of ready-to-install lines in combination with Voss Lok 40 and the new high-pressure valves means that complete systems for the transport and storage of hydrogen can be mapped.
Increasing demand from the heating market
At Proton Motor (Hall 13, Stand D43/1) the combination of renewable resources and hydrogen for the decarbonized economy through alternative, self-sufficient energy production is considered a key element of the climate transition. The Puchheim-based company, which can already look back on a quarter of a century of experience with hydrogen fuel cells, is currently registering increasing demand from the heating market segment in particular. At the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe the fuel cell stack “PM 400” as the current fuel cell core of the proton motor technology is the focus of the trade fair appearance. The aim of the design, development and production of Proton Motor’s own PM 200 and PM 400 stack modules is the best possible performance while at the same time maximizing the service life, the company emphasizes. This was achieved through complex, fluid dynamic simulations for an optimal media and temperature distribution as well as monitoring the supplier market. Selection, testing and benchmarking of the latest technologies are important here.
First hydrogen price in Hanover
The growing importance of the new energy source is also reflected in the fact that a hydrogen prize will be awarded at this year’s Hanover Fair. Deutsche Messe AG and the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (DWV) are jointly announcing the new “H2Eco Award”. This deals with a company that is making an outstanding contribution to the ramp-up of the hydrogen market economy with its projects. The focus is on profitability, innovative strength and entrepreneurship. The award, which is worth €5,000, will be presented on May 31, 2022 on the stage of the Energy 4.0 Forum under the patronage of Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.
“With this new award we recognize the hydrogen economy. As part of the Hanover Fair, we have been offering the largest European platform for the hydrogen and fuel cell industry for years. In the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe exhibition area, more than 200 companies will be presenting solutions for a sustainable energy supply using hydrogen from renewable energies,” says Exhibition Director Köckler.