(Geesthacht / Dunedin) – A bilateral hydrogen alliance between New Zealand and Germany has recently started work. The aim is to explore the potential for developing green hydrogen technologies in New Zealand. A jointly operated laboratory and test field are to be set up at the University of Otago. In addition, research stays by participating scientists as well as workshops and symposia are organized in both countries.
According to the information, the research consortium consists of a number of academic and industrial partners from both countries. The plan is to conduct “experimental and theoretical basic research on the optimal production and storage of green hydrogen through application-oriented system integration through to techno-economic and socio-ecological analyzes of the technologies developed,” according to a statement.
The collaboration is coordinated by Paul Jerabek (Hereon Institute for Hydrogen Technology, Geesthacht) and Sally Brooker (University of Otago, Dunedin). The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) will provide funding for a period of five years with 768.000 euros and the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Education (MBIE) with an undisclosed sum.
Innovative New Zealand
As part of the project, it is also planned to establish a German-New Zealand innovation campus for green hydrogen in the south of New Zealand, in which academic and industrial research partners will work together and which will focus on the development, testing and marketing of hydrogen technologies. To this end, the coordinators worked with private sector experts in the New Zealand Hydrogen Council to form a New Zealand “Team Green Hydrogen”. There are already connections to Christchurch Airport, Airbus and Air New Zealand, among others. 
According to Paul Jerabek, New Zealand is perfectly suited for the collaborative development, testing and establishment of green hydrogen technologies: “The country is extremely innovation-friendly, rich in renewable energy sources and, like Germany, has the strong will to become completely climate neutral as quickly as possible.” Sally Brooker is “thrilled that the funding has now been confirmed by the New Zealand and German sides”.
deep link
https://www.hereon.de/innovation_transfer/communication_media/news/103565/index.php.de
https://www.nzhydrogen.org
Photos
With a capacity of 800 MW, the “Manapouri Hydro Station” is the largest hydroelectric power station in New Zealand. The electrical energy generated here could be used to produce climate-neutral green hydrogen. © Wikipedia
Graphic center
Presentation of the planned projects from the New Zealand government's green paper (“A Vision for Hydrogen in New Zealand”). The map is based on information from MBIE and the New Zealand Hydrogen Council (as of February 2020). © www.nzhydrogen.org
