Hydrogen

Hydrogen in industry - a business segment of today?

Many companies are currently facing challenging decisions in connection with their energy supply. Hydrogen applications offer a promising alternative in this context. A recommended approach is an individual profitability analysis to determine the feasibility of hydrogen projects. This takes into account consumption and production patterns as well as site-specific conditions.

IS ENERGY GENERATION FROM HYDROGEN ALREADY ECONOMICAL?

Hydrogen applications are often mentioned as a possible solution for meeting electricity, heating or mobility needs. Political decision-makers and associations are currently pushing for hydrogen produced on a large scale to initially be used for material applications. It will probably take several years before the utilisation of hydrogen for energy purposes becomes profitable. Nevertheless, the technical possibility of utilising it for energy purposes should be considered now.

WHAT COULD SUCH A PROJECT LOOK LIKE?

A typical project of this type could include the integration of an in-house electrolyser, a hydrogen storage unit and hydrogen consumers, such as a fuel cell, an H₂ engine or an H₂ refuelling station. This could, for example, utilise surplus electricity from an in-house photovoltaic system that cannot be used directly for self-consumption. However, the economic realisation is often challenging.

WHAT ARE SUITABLE FRAMEWORK CONDITIONS?

Our tools make it possible to simulate the use of such complex systems. One example of this is the simulation of a system for an industrial customer, which includes surplus electricity from a photovoltaic system and a hydrogen system. The latter consists of an electrolyser, an H₂ CHP unit (instead of a fuel cell) and a hydrogen storage unit.

UTILISING SECONDARY EFFECTS

If the profitability analyses do not always deliver satisfactory results immediately, this does not necessarily mean the end of your hydrogen project. There are secondary effects of such projects that can improve profitability.

One example of this is intensive grid utilisation, which allows up to 90 % of the grid fees to be reimbursed and can therefore significantly reduce operating costs. In order to benefit from these advantages, certain criteria must be met, including an annual electricity purchase volume of at least 10 GWh and more than 7,000 annual full load hours. If these criteria are not met, adjustments to the peak output or an adjustment of the electricity purchase from the grid can be considered.

An electrolyser with the appropriate output can help to fill valleys in the load profile with time-variable electricity tariffs and thus benefit from low price windows. A dedicated fuel cell or additional battery storage can also help to reduce peak loads. By factoring the electricity grid charges saved into the hydrogen production costs, self-supply with energy or even the development of a business segment as a hydrogen producer can prove to be an attractive option. Other advantages include increased security of supply and reduced dependence on international supply systems.

Secure long-term favourable energy generation

In the course of efforts to decarbonise the energy sector, transport and industry, hydrogen is becoming increasingly important. Our aim is to support our customers in identifying technically feasible and economically viable solutions for the use of hydrogen. We accompany projects through all phases, from the initial idea to successful commissioning.

Green hydrogen for a sustainable future

Green hydrogen plays a crucial role in the transformation to a sustainable and low-carbon future.

By utilising renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, green hydrogen is produced in an emission-free electrolysis process. As a clean and versatile energy carrier, green hydrogen can be used in a wide range of applications.

With our in-depth expertise and many years of experience, we help companies to optimise the potential of green hydrogen.

Hydrogen Alliance Bavaria - pooling expertise

eta Energieberatung GmbH is a partner in the Bavarian Hydrogen Alliance The Bavarian Hydrogen Alliance is a networking, knowledge and interest platform for over 335 hydrogen stakeholders from industry, science and politics in Bavaria. The alliance partners contribute to strengthening and expanding Bavaria's technological expertise in the field of innovative hydrogen technologies.

How can we help you?

Rely on eta Energieberatung GmbH to lead your hydrogen projects to success and make an important contribution to a sustainable energy future. Contact us today to find out more about our hydrogen services and how we can help you achieve your energy goals.