AS-Schneider: there's no energy transition without hydrogen

The principle of power-to-X technology is simple: renewable electricity from wind, water or sun as primary energy is converted into an energy carrier. "In this way, we absorb fluctuations and increase the flexibility of grid management," explains Björn Bofinger, who has been part of the AS-Schneider family for 16 years and is involved in the VDMA network 'power-to-X for applications'. The platform supports mechanical and plant engineering companies in overcoming the challenges of P2X applications. "Hydrogen plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. At the same time, P2X and hydrogen processing technologies are at an early stage of research. Both scenarios present us with an exciting puzzle that we can help solve together," Bofinger explains.

The VDMA's central, cross-industry information, communication and cooperation portal serves the entire P2X community. It integrates all relevant stakeholders and key players involved in the value chain. These include developers of production processes, manufacturers of synthetic energy and raw materials that use P2X technologies, and end users. Bofinger adds: "the P2X network has now grown to over 60 companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The number is growing, and we are still reaching more engineers in Europe as a result". The members' activities revolve around three goals: promote a holistic and technology-open approach to the transformation of energy systems, raise public awareness of environmentally sustainable energy use and mobility, and identify new trends and opportunities to further reduce greenhouse gases.

Hydrogen as an energy carrier

Hydrogen has emerged as a suitable candidate for the seasonal storage of renewable energy. It is also one of the cleanest and safest energy carriers available. The simplicity of the molecule and its ability not to burn into CO₂ are ideal conditions for P2X under power-to-hydrogen (P2H2). In this process, hydrogen is created through electrolysis - water molecules are broken down into oxygen and hydrogen by applying electricity. "The cost is lower with electrolysis than with other processes. That's why it became the backbone of P2H2. Research to improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability, however, is still ongoing," Bofinger explains.

The separated hydrogen serves various purposes, for example as fuel for electricity generation or as industrial feedstock. Production is usually ready for immediate use. In the long-term, hydrogen must be stored in gaseous or liquid form for further transport. But the energy carrier also has other sought-after properties: it can be converted into methane, synthesis gas or liquid fuels. A great combination to displace fossil fuels in the heat, transport, and industrial sectors.

Björn Bofinger sums up: "Mechanical and plant engineering is a crucial sector for climate protection, which is why we are exploiting its potential. Our goal in the network is to guide manufacturers and users toward efficient and emission-reducing technologies. Supporting the complex 'energy transition' process is the crowning achievement".

For more news and technical articles from the global hydrogen sector, read the latest issue of Global Hydrogen Review magazine.

Global Hydrogen Review's Spring 2022 issue

The inaugural issue of Global Hydrogen Review is full of detailed technical articles and case studies exploring the entire spectrum of hydrogen production and its applications worldwide. This issue covers a range of topics including the current status of blue hydrogen, how cryogenic technology is helping to shape the energy transition, and integrity management of hydrogen pipelines. Other features include green hydrogen, simulation, transportation, compressor technology, and much more.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/01062022/as-schneider-theres-no-energy-transition-without-hydrogen/