Global-H2-Upscaling

In Global-H2-Upscaling, we analyse which measures are necessary for the upscaling of foreign RE-based H2 production cores – subject to two preconditions:

1. they take into account the sustainable energy and, where applicable, development goals of these countries and
2. at the same time put them in a position to trade in hydrogen-based products.

Support for the development of global trade in hydrogen, its derivatives and hydrogen-based industrial products should ultimately also contribute to supplying the Federal Republic of Germany with these goods, which are necessary for a decarbonised economy.

 

The project is innovative in two respects:

Global H2-Upscaling goes methodically far beyond the usual analyses of potential, as in this project we are focusing on already existing production cores and are investigating which factors can lead to an upscaling of these cores of hydrogen and downstream products. As these are currently demonstration plants, an upscaling by several orders of magnitude would be desirable for relevant contributions to the decarbonisation of the energy and economic system worldwide.

For the specifically identified production cores, we are analysing the measures necessary for upscaling, such as the expansion of RE, infrastructure expansion, local requirements for RE, water resources and land, the acceptance and participation opportunities of local people and any need for changes in national regulation, etc. in the specific country contexts.

Therefore, the second innovative aspect of this project is that, in addition to analyses in Germany, we are also conducting two on-site studies in selected countries that are very advanced in the implementation of hydrogen projects. This will enable us to better understand the necessary conditions with the respective cultural and linguistic circumstances.

The Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ, represented by the PtX Hub) is carrying out the necessary analyses on a subcontract basis with local staff. We will compare the findings obtained in these two countries (Chile and South Africa) in discussions with representatives from other countries in the “global South” in order to develop recommendations for upscaling hydrogen production worldwide that are as broadly applicable as possible. Further objectives are to analyse potential consequences for the global H2 and PtX markets arising from both imports and demand from other regions of the world, as well as the resulting geopolitical effects. Finally, the extent to which Germany and the EU can contribute to upscaling the production cores will be analysed.

In the end, two “guidelines for successful, sustainable upscaling” will be developed as products for decision-makers worldwide on the one hand and in Germany and the EU on the other.