Hydrogen Horizons: The German Blueprint

By Erik Schaefer and Klaus Dirk Herwig

"Dive deep into the transformative world of hydrogen energy in Germany! HYDROGEN HORIZONS illuminates the potential of this burgeoning billion-dollar market, spotlighting opportunities for businesses big and small. Through a captivating blend of expert insights, real-world examples, and pioneering projects, you'll witness the vibrant momentu

• Language: English
• Publisher: Green Investors Publishing House
• Release date: Nov 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9783982592916

Erik Schaefer

Erik Schäfer is CEO of Green Investors AG. As an entrepreneur, he has spent the last 20 years building companies in the energy industry worldwide, including more than 10 years exclusively with renewable energy generation. Erik is an Industry Partner at SENCO, Germany's leading hydrogen fund investment company. He is a member of the Dean's Advisory Board of WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, an Ambassador of the university, and a recipient of the Medal of Honor. He graduated from the University of Cologne, WHU, the University of Buckingham, and the École Supérieure de Commerce de Lyon. Erik holds a degree in business administration and an honorary doctorate in business administration.

Book preview

Foreword

"The Genesis of Hydrogen:

From the Big Bang to a Sustainable Energy Future"

Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to the English edition of our book, where we embark on a journey to expand the horizons of hydrogen’s potential, taking the vibrant interest surrounding this remarkable element from Germany and Europe to the global stage. We are Klaus Dirk Herwig and Erik Schaefer, and we are passionate believers that the solutions to today’s energy challenges are tantalizingly within reach.

In this era of increasingly low production costs for energy harnessed from the sun, wind, and water, coupled with breathtaking advancements in storage and battery technologies, there exists a singular step forward—one that could transform the dream of pure, renewable energy production into an industrial reality. That step is the development of a robust hydrogen economy on an industrial scale.

Imagine a world where the price of hydrogen plummets to the point where it eclipses the cost of fossil fuel alternatives and carbon taxes. This is the future we aim to paint—a future where the question shifts from consume energy or protect the climate to consume energy and protect the climate. Moreover, this future promises the birth of new industries, the proliferation of job opportunities, and the emergence of thriving enterprises.

There has been a lot of talk and promises in recent years, but now is the time for action. It is now in the hands of individuals, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to make decisive decisions, follow the path we have mapped out, and do so without further delays.

Leveraging its engineering expertise and a robust network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Germany, along with its hidden champions, is perfectly positioned to supply the technology required for the upcoming global hydrogen era. By coupling this with onshore production and the establishment of hydrogen ecosystems, our nation becomes highly attractive on a worldwide scale. We aim to open doors and offer international readers a glimpse into the future of our hydrogen economy.

Within the pages of this book, we offer a compass to guide you along this exciting journey. We commence with an exploration of the fundamentals underpinning the burgeoning hydrogen economy. We then traverse the value chain, revealing the boundless market potentials and prospects that await.

As we proceed, we transition to a concrete examination of the advantages that await companies and entrepreneurs keen to participate in the multi-billion-dollar hydrogen market. Utilizing our proprietary AStrA approach, we provide a roadmap for the strategic implementation of hydrogen initiatives.

But that’s not all. Throughout this book, you’ll encounter enlightening interviews with visionaries, entrepreneurs, and influential figures who have embarked on their own unique hydrogen paths. May their experiences serve as your lighthouse, compass, and advisors on the road to a brighter future.

Dear reader, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey, to discover the power of hydrogen, and to play a role in steering our collective destiny toward a better tomorrow.

Klaus Dirk Herwig

Erik Schaefer

The Prologue

What’s your dream? That’s the question America’s and Britain’s Got Talent asks many of their young, aspiring, and utterly nervous contestants.

Well, we would answer, our dream is a world with clean energy. Enough for everyone. And at the same time conserving our earth and protecting our climate.

Wow, that’s something we’ve never had before, Simon Cowell would judge. And what moves you about this?

You know, we’d say, "energy plays an ever-growing role in our modern lives. To be more precise, we can’t do without it at all. Just take your smartphone, as an example. The energy demand will only rise among individuals, nations, and forthcoming generations.

We dream that we produce energy at net-zero emission, cheerfully consuming more and more of it, traveling, flying, and having all the fun. Without depleting natural resources or building up poisonous waste. Imagine an industry, power generation, and heating that leave no ecological footprint, a new energy source that creates jobs and income for all."

I get it, Simon would say, "That sounds unbelievable!

We can’t wait to hear what you have to tell us! The stage is yours."

We would take the microphone and greet the millions in the audience and onscreen by saying, Welcome to the exciting world of green hydrogen!

1. Why We’re Here

Welcome to the exciting world of green hydrogen! In this inaugural chapter, we’ll introduce you to this book’s core focus and objectives, setting the stage for an enlightening journey into the promising realm of sustainable energy and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Our mission is clear: We seek the harmonious fusion of sustainable energy consumption, the preservation of our planet, and the nurturing of a thriving multi-billion-dollar hydrogen economy.

Within these pages, we embark on a multi-layered narrative journey. At the heart of the exploration lies a deep dive into the entrepreneurial prospects within the rapidly growing green hydrogen industry. We’ll demystify the complexities of green hydrogen, shedding light on its various facets, from production and distribution to its myriad applications. We tailored this book to entrepreneurs and visionary leaders eager to seize the opportunities arising from the green hydrogen revolution. So, let’s delve into the essence of our book and the thrilling journey it promises to take you on.

To provide you with a comprehensive understanding, we’ve meticulously organized this book into several chapters, each highlighting a specific facet of green hydrogen:

· Chapter 2: Hydrogen Saves the Day: Green Solutions to Grey Problems - Unveils the entrepreneurial potential within the green hydrogen landscape by delving into renewable energy sources as its building blocks.

· Chapter 3: The Green Hydrogen Journey: From Birth to Market Shelf - Dives into the production, distribution, and application of green hydrogen, unveiling opportunities for budding businesses.

· Chapter 4: Peek into Tomorrow: Hydrogen’s Crystal Ball - Offers visionary insights into the future of green hydrogen, with wide-ranging implications for society.

· Chapter 5: Profit in Green: Environment’s Golden Goose - Explores the broader market dynamics and environmental benefits driving entrepreneurial success.

· Chapter 6: Make it Work for You: Hydrogen as your Sidekick - Equips entrepreneurs with actionable guidance, from sustainability to profitability.

· Chapter 7: The Final Word: Gazing Beyond the Horizon - Summarizes key findings and outlines the frontiers awaiting those who venture into green hydrogen.

Join us! As we journey through these chapters, we aim to empower entrepreneurs and individuals to navigate the energy landscape successfully, build thriving businesses, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable planet. Together, we will uncover how early involvement in the green hydrogen industry can yield environmental benefits and entrepreneurial rewards.

2. Hydrogen Saves the Day:

Green Solutions to Grey Problems

2.1 The Climate Conference Marathon:

25 Years in Sneakers

Climate change has been a major global issue for over 25 years. The goal is to limit CO2 emissions and reduce global warming to under 2 degrees and ultimately 1.5 degrees by 2050. The Paris Agreement was a significant step forward, but more action is needed to reduce emissions before 2030. Movements like Fridays for Future and measures from the World Economic Forum are drawing attention to this cause.

The issue of climate and climate change has been extensively discussed since 1997, when 160 countries signed the Kyoto Protocol, which set limits and sanctions. Despite many visions for global climate protection, the 2009 UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen was seen as a failure due to the lack of consensus on concrete measures. The 21st UN Climate Change Conference in 2015 focused on global warming’s impact and possible consequences. Some predictions suggest that a 5-degree warming could result in melting global glaciers and polar caps, leading to a several-meter rise in sea level. This could have catastrophic effects on cities like Venice, islands like the Maldives, stretches of land like the Netherlands, and even inner-city areas of some large cities like New York City.

To prevent this, a target of limiting global warming caused by the CO2 greenhouse effect to below 2 degrees, preferably 1.5 degrees by 2050, has been agreed upon - the so-called 1.5-degree target. Almost all countries signed the Paris Agreement at the 21st UN Climate Change Conference in 2015, a treaty with measures for active climate protection that aims to achieve the 1.5-degree target. However, the global community has not yet found a widely accepted path of action for implementation.

In October 2018, the IPCC Special Report concluded that the 1.5-degree target is still achievable. However, to achieve this, human CO2 emissions must start falling significantly before 2030 and reach net-zero emissions around 2050. In 2019, the climate protection movement Fridays for Future with Greta Thunberg brought attention to the cause. In 2020, representatives of leading countries agreed on joint measures to address climate change at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Avoiding climate change-related storms, such as those that devastated the Ahr Valley, is critical for the future of our planet.

2.2 Hydrogen’s Promise:

Our Ticket to a Greener Tomorrow

The utilization of green hydrogen as a means of renewable energy is critical. Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy in 2020 marked a significant step towards achieving its climate goals. This strategy emphasizes using green energy in industries, transportation, and heating systems while promoting the production of green hydrogen from abundant sources like wind, sun, and water. With the increasing global demand for hydrogen technologies, German companies can benefit from this development. Many other nations have also implemented comparable strategies to achieve a carbon-neutral future by 2050.

According to Victor Hugo, an idea whose time has come is the most powerful thing in the world. Looking back, it seems that the concept of hydrogen fuel was not yet fully embraced when Klaus was studying with Professor Franz Pischinger at the Institute for Combustion Engines in Schinkelstraße at the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule RWTH Aachen in 1986 or even at the EXPO World Exhibition in 2000 held at the Hanover Fair where BMW showcased their elegant 7-series sedan with a hydrogen drive. Unfortunately, this idea was forgotten for 20 years until the German government finally adopted the National Hydrogen Strategy in 2020. Finally, on June 10, 2020, the National Hydrogen Strategy (NWS) was approved under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Economics BMWi and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF.

National Hydrogen Strategy:

Green Hydrogen as the Energy Carrier of the Future

Green hydrogen is the petroleum of tomorrow¹. The flexible energy carrier is indispensable for the energy transition and opens new markets for German companies. With the National Hydrogen Strategy, whether in industry, transport, or the heating sector, we need green energy to achieve our climate goals in all areas of life.

To achieve this, we must also be able to bring renewables into fields of application that are difficult or impossible to electrify. In addition, Germany will continue to be dependent on energy imports.

But we want to end our dependence on suppliers of fossil fuels - natural gas, oil, coal. Hydrogen makes importing green energy from the world’s sun- and wind-rich regions possible. Herewith, we can diversify our energy imports at the same time.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is the urgently needed building block for the so-called sector coupling and developing a sustainable, global energy system based on renewable energies.

Green hydrogen is produced climate-neutrally from renewable electricity - for example, through electrolysis. We can thus store and transport the energy from the sun and wind in a versatile energy carrier and use it as needed - for example, in fuel cells to generate electricity and heat or in industrial processes.

In line with the motto Shipping the sunshine, green hydrogen can be produced in regions with plenty of wind, sun, and water and exported from there to meet the world’s energy needs. The global market for hydrogen technologies is already developing dynamically. German companies have good opportunities to profit from this growth.

National Hydrogen Strategy: Climate Protection

Made in Germany

Green hydrogen technologies are, therefore, of utmost importance for the future viability of Germany as an industrial location. Against this background, the Federal Government adopted the National Hydrogen Strategy in June 2020. After the elections in 2021, the new government relaunched this strategy: even more ambitious, even more binding.

With the National Hydrogen Strategy, Germany shows how we can use green hydrogen in industry, transport, and the energy system to maintain competitiveness, achieve climate protection goals, and open up new markets. In doing so, we pursue a systemic approach and think of hydrogen production, transport, distribution, and use - including the international dimension - together.

The National Hydrogen Strategy interlinks climate, energy, industrial, and innovation policy. The goal is to make Germany a global pioneer in green hydrogen and to achieve and secure market leadership in hydrogen technologies in the long term. Climate protection technologies made in Germany are to become a new trademark:

German research and companies are among the world leaders in hydrogen technologies, and the construction of complex industrial plants is a core competence of our plant engineering. Therefore, with our know-how, we must take advantage of the unique opportunity to become the supplier of a global energy transition.

Hydrogen Trade: Partnerships in Europe and the World

With the help of research, we will build new strategic hydrogen partnerships in Europe and worldwide. With Australia and the countries of Southern and Western Africa, for example, we are laying the foundation for international hydrogen trade in demonstration projects. These cooperations will create new export opportunities and sales markets for innovative technology companies from Germany.

In the past two years, 20 other industrialized countries have adopted such a hydrogen strategy (Fig. 2.1).

Fig. 2.1: Adoption of the national hydrogen strategies of the leading industrialized countries

The leading industrialized countries have adopted national hydrogen strategies to achieve CO2 neutrality in the four primary energy consumers - transport, industry, commerce, and building services - by 2050. The focus is on producing green hydrogen from the power of the sun, wind, and water. Germany aims to be a global pioneer in environmental technologies domestically and worldwide. This presents an opportunity for companies to contribute to the shift towards hydrogen and sustainability across the entire value chain, establishing themselves in the market long-term and gaining an edge over the competition. The viability of green hydrogen compared to traditional fossil fuels or battery technology will be explored below.

2.3 Cooking Up Green Hydrogen: The Perfect Recipe

Various terms are interchangeably used when discussing energy in the context of climate and the environment. These include clean energies, sustainable energies, renewable energies, and CO2-free energies. In France, CO2-free energy is regarded as environmentally friendly, which includes nuclear power, which accounts for over 80% of electricity generation. Conversely, Germany finally, in 2023, eliminated atomic power in a process that started after the 2011 Fukushima reactor disaster. This book will concentrate on energy sources that will likely play a significant role in Germany’s industrial-scale hydrogen production in the next decade, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. This background information will serve as a basis for the topic of electricity from sustainable energies for green hydrogen, which should take place on a just enough scale. Chapter 2.3.4.3 will briefly address the subject of CO2-free energy from nuclear power for completeness.

2.3.1 Sun’s Power: Not Just for Tans!

Solar energy is the ultimate solution to the world’s energy problem. The sun produces a whopping 10,000 times more energy than the world requires, and only a fraction reaches the Earth’s surface. By utilizing just a tiny portion of the world’s surface, we can meet the global energy demand using solar energy. Cities must focus on building roofs and solar fields to maximize solar energy utilization. Photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are the most practical options for harnessing solar energy and leading the way toward a sustainable energy future.

It is beneficial to delve into some practical information to gain a more in-depth understanding of solar energy. The sun is an enormous celestial body with a diameter exceeding 1.4 million kilometers. For the past 5 billion years, 600 million tons of hydrogen have been fusing into helium every second under extreme heat and pressure of over one million degrees Celsius. This miraculous process annually produces the output of one quadrillion nuclear power plants – a one with fifteen zeroes - with CO2-free energy.

Approximately 1.5 quintillion kWh (1.5 x10¹⁸) of this energy is estimated to reach the Earth’s surface, while the total energy consumption in 2020 was 150 trillion kWh. These figures indicate that the energy from the sun is over 10,000 times the world’s energy demand. This means that an area as small as one ten-thousandth of the world’s surface could provide the total energy demand through solar energy.

To put this into perspective, the red square in North Africa, located below Spain in Figure 2.2, would be sufficient for the world’s energy demand. Similarly, the second square below would be adequate for Europe, and 20% of the area marked for Europe with the red square EU25-2005 would be sufficient for the Federal Republic of Germany. However, it should be noted that the angle of incidence of light rays on the Earth’s surface is much flatter in northern Europe than in Africa, and there are often many clouds in Germany. Therefore, an area of 70 km2 is required for solar surface area in Germany.

Considering that there are 700 cities in Germany, with 80 large cities and 620 medium-sized towns, it is reasonable to assume that 0.1 km² per city would be sufficient for pure energy output. This would provide an abundant energy source, significantly reduce the carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.

Fig. 2.2: Area sufficient to supply the energy needs of the entire world²

or Europe³ using only solar energy.

Energy loss is a crucial factor to consider when discussing the production and utilization of solar energy. This term encompasses the entire value chain of the energy industry, including the collection of solar energy, its conversion into electricity, storage, transportation, and eventual usage. Only a tiny percentage of usable energy remains when significant amounts of energy are lost in the process. For instance, if 90% of energy is lost, only 10% of the energy produced can be utilized. This means ten times more input is required to achieve 100% output.

Cities can take advantage of building roofs and solar fields along the motorways to maximize solar energy utilization. This can produce 1 km² of energy, making solar energy the most promising source for future hydrogen supply. Currently, there are over ten different technologies available for harnessing solar power. However, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are the most viable options. Utilizing these technologies can reduce energy loss and optimize solar energy utilization, paving the way for a sustainable future.

2.3.1.1 Photovoltaics: Solar’s Spotlight Dance

The discovery of photovoltaics by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel in 1839 paved the way for the practical implementation of solar cells. Thanks to Germany’s Electricity Feed Act in 1991, renewable solar power plants have contributed significantly to the nation’s energy supply. It’s exciting to think that by 2040, Germany could have up to 300 gigawatts of PV capacity installed. While it’s important to note that PV modules may lose some of their capacity over time, the progress in solar energy is truly inspiring.

When exposed to light, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel observed a slight increase in current flow between platinum electrodes in electrolytic cells. This discovery was the precursor to photovoltaics, although it would take over a century to be used for energy supply.

It wasn’t until 1958 that solar cells were practically implemented when the US launched the Explorer 1 satellite into orbit. The satellite had a chemical battery and solar cells to power a transmitter. However, the US Army initially doubted solar pioneer Hans Ziegler’s idea to use solar cells. Nevertheless, the solar cell-powered transmitter continued transmitting signals for over six years, significantly longer than the battery-powered transmitter’s three-month lifespan.

This successful use of solar cells paved the way for further development, primarily for space exploration. Solar cells are ideal for spacecraft power supply due to their longer service life and lower risk than other technical alternatives. As a result, most spacecraft still use solar cells for their energy supply.

In the past, there were instances where photovoltaic systems were installed on the ground due to the unavailability of energy grids nearby. However, the 1973 oil crisis increased interest in alternative energy sources. Despite this, centralized nuclear power plants were still considered the most viable option for national energy supply. Nonetheless, the production of solar cells for terrestrial use surpassed those for space travel for the first time in the mid-1970s. It was in 1983 when Germany’s first large-scale photovoltaic system was established on the North Frisian island of Pellworm with a total output of 0.3 megawatts, a significant milestone for the renewable energy industry. More recently, in 2005, a solar farm in California’s Carrizo Plain National Monument area produced 5.2 MW of power, demonstrating the tremendous progress made in the field of solar energy.

In 1991, Germany passed the Electricity Feed Act, requiring energy suppliers to purchase electricity from small renewable solar power plants. After parts of photovoltaic production moved out of the country, Greenpeace conducted a study on Germany’s potential as a photovoltaic location, establishing new initiatives for affiliated industrial companies like Solon AG and Solarfabrik. Later, SolarWorld AG and other companies and factories emerged in this market segment. In 2000, Germany introduced the Renewable Energy Sources Act, which provided cost-covering remuneration nationwide. Many small systems below 5 kW peak were installed initially, but larger solar parks with several MW each were eventually built. In 2005, the world’s largest solar park at the time, Solarpark Bavaria, went into operation with 6.3 MW, and in 2006, the title was taken over by the Erlasee solar field with 11.4 MW. 2010, the most potent German park, the Finsterwalde Solar Park, with 41 MW, was established. By mid-2014, the 37-gigawatt mark was exceeded; globally, the 200 GW mark was reached in mid-2015. In 2008, solar cells with increased efficiency powered news satellites, and now almost all 1,000+ satellites worldwide use photovoltaics for their power supply. Since 2015, Asia has had the world’s largest solar parks in China and the Tengger Desert, with 850 MW and 1,547 MW, respectively.

Since 2019, India has made significant strides in solar energy, with the Pavagada Solar Park reaching 2,050 MW in 2019 and the Bhadla Solar Park reaching 2,245 MW in 2020. Germany also achieved an additional seven gigawatts in 2022. Energy Charts⁴ predicts that by 2040, approximately 300 gigawatts of PV capacity could be installed on roofs and open spaces in Germany. While some PV modules can still produce electricity after more than 40