Hydrogen is an important building block for achieving climate neutrality and moving away from fossil fuels. The course is already being set for a hydrogen supply, e.g. in the planning of national and European infrastructure. However, many questions remain unsanswered. How much hydrogen will be needed? Which companies, municipalities or other institutions are already planning to use hydrogen? Where is there still potential for hydrogen use?
At the same time, many companies are faced with the question of where hydrogen will come from and how much it will cost and are making their decision for or against hydrogen dependent on this.
To answer these questions, the Saarland Hydrogen Agency and htw Saar conducted a potential analysis in the form of a survey based on an online questionnaire. Saarland companies were asked about their needs and plans for the use of hydrogen. Participation in the study exceeded expectations. It was mainly industrial and energy companies that took part in the survey. In addition to future plans, the current consumption of fossil fuels and current electricity consumption over the course of the year were also surveyed.
The results summarized:
- The hydrogen demand in Saarland can be up to 350 kt/a. The main users are the steel and energy industries, and the H2-ready gas-fired power plants operated by Iqony at the Bexbach and Weiher sites in particular could consume considerable quantities of hydrogen in addition to the steel industry.
- Connection to the German nuclear grid is planned for 2032. Large quantities of hydrogen will already be needed before then, meaning that local production will be necessary.
- The majority of demand can only be covered by imports from outside the Saarland. A connection to the European infrastructure pipelines is therefore essential for Saarland.
- Hydrogen is not economically viable at the current price level. The potential identified can only be realized in reality if the price falls to around EUR 5/kg. The price of electricity is the main price driver for green hydrogen. Therefore, industrial policy control mechanisms must be developed that enable a significant reduction in hydrogen production costs.
The next steps:
- Publication of the status in the form of a report at the beginning of 2025
- Testing alternative sources of hydrogen (for example through ammonia imports)
- Supporting the companies in the planned projects
You have not yet participated but are interested in hydrogen in Saarland? Then let us know your requirements under Needs assessment.