05/09/2023
Source: Energy & Management Powernews
For the municipal association VKU, technology openness is a basic requirement in the implementation of the heat transition.
The Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) has presented a position paper on the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. The background is the passionately discussed Building Energy Act, which is currently in the parliamentary process. On twelve pages, the most important factors for the hydrogen market ramp-up are presented from VKU's point of view.
Contrary to the widely held view that the use of green hydrogen, in contrast to the direct application of green electricity, is inefficient and "must therefore be tightly restricted in consumption from the outset," the VKU explicitly advocates a demand- and supply-oriented strategy to push the hydrogen ramp-up, the paper states. Hydrogen can be used in a variety of ways and stored seasonally, relieve pressure on the power grid, and make an important contribution to system stability, it said.
In the position paper, VKU also relies on the natural gas grid playing an appropriate role for hydrogen ramp-up. "Through gradual and demand-oriented conversion, the existing gas network can be used for climate-neutral energy carriers, such as hydrogen and green gases," says Ingbert Liebing. Because for the VKU CEO, it is clear that there will still be gaseous energy sources after 2045.
While hydrogen is primarily intended for use in industry. However, the VKU also calls for "actual and legally binding technology openness" when it comes to the heat transition. The use of green gases for heat generation must "remain possible in principle," especially in CHP plants, as well as for supplying industrial and commercial applications and in households. In the Building Energy Act, however, the hurdles are so high that they would prevent the conversion to hydrogen and green gases in practice.
Heat pumps alone are not enough
Heat pumps alone will not succeed in decarbonizing the building stock in a secure manner. The difficulties are manifold and "range from the shortage of skilled workers and equipment to the necessary expansion of the power grids to the condition of the building stock and the low renovation rate," according to VKU. The difficulties would not be solved in a timely manner.
The VKU supports the concept of municipal heat planning. It is the "optimal instrument" to identify the most efficient and sensible technologies for supplying heat, taking into account all local conditions. However, municipal heat planning that is open to technology should not fundamentally exclude hydrogen in heat supply. "This applies in technical, constructional, social and financial terms."
According to VKU, the development of the hydrogen infrastructure must be designed jointly by the state, companies and the population. "With the right framework conditions, a reliable demand for green hydrogen would be created via the heating market, supporting the expected market ramp-up."
The VKU's " position paper on the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy " is available for download.
Author: Stefan Sagmeister
Accessibility
Language