Berlin. The conversion of the domestic raw materials industry to sustainable energy use planned as part of the National Hydrogen Strategy should also be implemented with foreign partners, explains the Federal Government in response to a small question from the Alliance 90/The Greens faction (Bundestag printed matter 19/21359; 19/21108) . Countries that would particularly be considered “have very good potential with regard to the expansion of renewable energies, are building a hydrogen infrastructure or have already expressed interest in certification issues”. In addition, environmental issues, social responsibility and compliance with human rights are “always important aspects” in the context of international energy cooperation. With a view to cooperation with emerging and developing countries, the International PtX Hub Berlin should, among other things, contribute to “addressing these questions right from the start and supporting our partners in developing suitable framework conditions for a sustainable market ramp-up”.
Investments in research, development and demonstration for green hydrogen should be increased within the EU. The creation of a new “Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI)” in the area of hydrogen technology for joint projects with other member states is currently being examined. The federal government is in contact with the European Commission and EU member states.
The “Carbon Contracts for Difference” (CfD) pilot program mentioned in the hydrogen strategy is currently being developed. It is already clear that investments in and the operation of climate-friendly and sustainable industrial processes in energy-intensive basic industries with process-related greenhouse gas emissions (such as the steel, chemical and cement industries) should be promoted and the operation of electrolysis plants should be supported.
With regard to crude steel production, however, there is already significant overcapacity worldwide, amounting to several hundred million tons. The OECD is assuming global crude steel production capacity of 2019 million tons and actual crude steel production of 2.362,5 million tons in 1.845,5, resulting in global excess capacity of around 2019 million tons for 514. said the federal government in its response. According to their assessment, the main cause is “market-distorting subsidies and other forms of government support that are not in line with the market” in various steel-producing countries. This also threatens the competitiveness of the German steel industry, “which has to operate in an economic environment that is increasingly no longer characterized by equal opportunities”.
To expand the hydrogen infrastructure, the federal government's network development plan calls for the construction of 151 kilometers of new gas pipelines by 2030, of which 94 kilometers are for pure hydrogen transport. In addition, 1.142 kilometers of natural gas pipelines are to be converted to transport hydrogen during the same period. Cavern natural gas storage facilities are also to be converted in the medium term.
This information from the federal government roughly corresponds to the figures presented by the Association of Transmission System Operators Gas eV (FNB) in May (we reported). As part of a project called “H2 Starting Network 2030”, the FNB calculated what the path to a hydrogen transport network in Germany would look like in 2030.
deep link
https://www.bundestag.de/hib#url=L3ByZXNzZS9oaWIvNzExMDg0LTcxMTA4NA==&mod=mod454590
https://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/19/213/1921359.pdf
Photos
Transport of pipes made of special steel for the renewal of a long-distance gas pipeline © ONTRAS
