Knowledge

Green hydrogen (H₂)

Green hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources

When surplus electricity from renewable energy sources is converted into hydrogen in power-to-gas facilities, this is referred to as green hydrogen. It is a renewable energy carrier and feedstock that can be transported and stored.

Green hydrogen and heat and power supply

Renewably produced hydrogen can be converted into heat or electricity and used flexibly for heating and power applications. Through storage in the gas grid, hydrogen can be used to support heat and power applications during periods of fluctuating renewable electricity generation caused by weather conditions.

Green hydrogen in different applications

Hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth and can be used in a wide range of applications. It can be used as a fuel or coolant, for heat and power generation, and as a feedstock in industrial processes. Fuel cell systems are already being used in backup power applications today.

For hydrogen from power-to-gas facilities to be marketed successfully, an open and technology-neutral regulatory framework is required in Germany.

Green hydrogen and CO₂ emissions

Today, the vast majority of hydrogen is still produced from fossil energy sources. Conventional production processes generate carbon dioxide emissions that are released into the atmosphere.

In the power-to-gas process, water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. While the hydrogen is used for further applications, the oxygen produced as a by-product can either be used in other applications or released into the environment.