Latest research at a glance Studies show that the pace of green hydrogen expansion is increasing

In February this year, Fraunhofer ISI carried out a study on the development of demand and price for hydrogen up to 2045.  It is part of the project “HyPat – Global H2 Potential las” funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and deals with the specific areas of application and the scope of hydrogen use. Detailed simulation models were used, representing alternative ways of achieving climate goals and the potential role of hydrogen.

The study authors identified certain industrial applications, such as in the steel or basic chemicals sector, as drivers of hydrogen demand. As these are applications for which there are few economically attractive alternative technologies for achieving the ambitious German climate targets, the price of hydrogen is likely to remain high. According to the study, this also applies to international air and sea transport. The study authors’ final recommendation was to focus on promising industrial applications when developing technology.

In February this year, Fraunhofer ISI carried out a study on the development of demand and price for hydrogen up to 2045.  It is part of the project “HyPat – Global H2 Potential Atlas” funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and deals with the specific areas of application and the scope of hydrogen use. Detailed simulation models were used, representing alternative ways of achieving climate goals and the potential role of hydrogen.

The study authors identified certain industrial applications, such as in the steel or basic chemicals sector, as drivers of hydrogen demand. As these are applications for which there are few economically attractive alternative technologies for achieving the ambitious German climate targets, the price of hydrogen is likely to remain high. According to the study, this also applies to international air and sea transport. The study authors’ final recommendation was to focus on promising industrial applications when developing technology.

Another study - “A Security Policy for the Global Hydrogen Economy” by Deloitte – was presented at the Munich Security Conference in February of this year. In this report, study author Professor Dr. Bernhard Lorentz concluded that securing the supply of green hydrogen will become a key factor for energy supply and prosperity in industrialised countries in the future. In addition, hydrogen is becoming the geopolitical backbone of industrial production and the transport of goods. 

He sees America as the winner of the hydrogen age, followed, with some time lag, by China, while Russia would have the potential, but in view of its isolation, cannot leverage it. He sees Europe facing the biggest dilemma, as he assumes that the continent will continue to have a high hydrogen import rate (43 percent) until 2050. To ensure energy security, he recommends imports from northern and southern Africa, as transport from here can also be done by pipeline.

The study is rounded off with the publication “Hydrogen patents to a clean energy future” by the European Patent Office (EPA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).  It shows that the EU countries and Japan are leaders in hydrogen-related patents. Combined, they represent 28 percent and 24 percent respectively of all patents filed between 2011 and 2020, which also shows significant growth. Within the EU, Germany leads with eleven percent of global patents (in the field of hydrogen technology), followed by France with six percent and the Netherlands with three percent. 

Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger sees her ministry’s commitment to research funding as confirmed.  In her press release dated 10 January of this year, she emphasises Germany’s strong starting position to become a “hydrogen republic” and make Germany the leader in hydrogen technologies exports. The fact that the patents pending come from all areas of the value chain shows the great potential of hydrogen technologies “Made in Germany”.