(Berlin) - Power-to-X technologies can be used to convert renewable energy into climate-friendly plastics, fuels, gases and chemicals. The Kopernikus project “P2X” researches these technologies until they are ready for the market - and analyzes the developments and potential of the individual technologies in a process called “roadmapping”. In the first phase, possible applications were identified 
closely interlinked in terms of content and structure. “Two energy vectors were identified, hydrogen and synthesis gas, on which value chains for mobility, industry and chemical raw materials can be built, from electrolysis to end use,” according to a statement. In the second phase, industry and research work on the further development of the technologies with the aim of developing them until they are ready for the market. This phase is still ongoing.
Third roadmap is dedicated to progress
The 3rd roadmap is the continuation of the previous publications of the 1st phase and shows the interim status of the 2nd phase of the Copernicus project P2X. Researchers from science and industry as well as representatives of environmental associations take a closer look at the current technological advances of the Copernicus Project. First, “different future projections” are illustrated using an energy model. Based on a scenario up to 2050, “a coherent, time-dependent assessment of PtX technologies and their potential” will be made possible. In particular, “dimensions of ecological, economic and social sustainability are taken into account”. The technologies and products are evaluated along individual value chains from the areas of transport, chemical raw materials and energy sources in industry. Two value chains are explicitly dedicated to the transport options for hydrogen in the transport and industrial sectors.
Four scenarios for the energy transition
The influences of different framework conditions on the development of the energy transition are examined in four scenarios:
- The “base scenario” corresponds to the federal government’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in three steps. No behavioral changes are taken into account. Electricity imports and exports serve to cover electricity demand.
- In the “import scenario” a cross-border expansion of hydrogen pipelines is examined. The aim is to offer an alternative to electricity transport.
- The “1,5 degree scenario” aims to achieve the 1,5 degree target according to the Kyoto Protocol.
- The traffic transition scenario shows which emissions reductions would be possible through behavioral changes and traffic avoidance.
According to the researchers, the results show “that PtX technologies and products are indispensable for an energy system that is independent of fossil sources.” However, PtX is not used “as a blanket technological solution for all fields of application”, but rather specifically for those areas in which no more efficient, alternative technologies are available or in which carbon carriers are required for material use. The need for PtX products in 2050 depends largely on the climate goals and the associated degree of defossilization: “The more ambitious the goals, the sooner PtX will be needed as a technology.”
Based on current findings and assumptions, these technology options would be closely monitored and comprehensively evaluated in their development from the laboratory to application in the P2X project. Like the first two, the third roadmap is also “a snapshot of current project work” in which “technological developments take place, findings consolidate or need to be reconsidered, new questions arise and the future takes tangible forms in the context of the energy transition.” A fourth roadmap is already being planned.
The 3. Roadmap of the Copernicus Project P2X (P2X II)” is available free of charge as a PDF (184 pages). It was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and supervised by the Jülich project management agency.
https://www.kopernikus-projekte.de/lw_resource/datapool/systemfiles/cbox/1683/live/lw_datei/dec_p2x_ii_v05_online_small.pdf
deep link
https://www.kopernikus-projekte.de/aktuelles/news/p2x_roadmap_3_0
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© BMBF, Chokri Bourifak – vi-studio.de
