European Union
Hydrogen Council Report- Decarbonization Pathways
Jan 2021
Publication
This report shows that low-carbon hydrogen supply at scale is economically and environmentally feasible and will have significant societal benefits if the right localised approach and best-practices for production are used. The report also demonstrates that there is not one single hydrogen production pathway to achieve low lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but rather the need for a fact-based approach that leverages regional resources and includes a combination of different production pathways. This will achieve both emission and cost reductions ultimately helping to decarbonize the energy system and limit global warming.
In 2020 more than 15 countries launched major hydrogen plans and policies and industry players announced new projects of more than 35GW until 2030. As this hydrogen momentum accelerates it is increasingly clear that decision makers must put the focus on decarbonization to ensure hydrogen can fulfil its potential as a key solution in the global clean energy transition making a significant contribution to net zero emissions. To support this effort the two-part Hydrogen Council report provides new data based on an assessment of the GHG emissions generated through different hydrogen supply pathways and the lifecycle GHG emissions for different hydrogen applications (see report part 1 – A Life-cycle Assessment). In addition the report explores 3 hypothetical hydrogen supply scenarios to measure the feasibility and impact of deploying renewable and low-carbon hydrogen at scale (report part 2 – Potential Supply Scenarios).
The report outlines that there are many ways of producing hydrogen and although GHG emissions vary widely very high CO2 savings can be achieved across a broad range of different hydrogen production pathways and end-uses. For example while “green” hydrogen produced through water electrolysis with renewable power achieves the lowest emissions “blue” hydrogen produced from natural gas with high CO2 capture rate and storage can also achieve low emissions if best technologies are used and best practices are followed. Across eight illustrative pathways explored in the report analysis shows that if hydrogen is used significant GHG emission reductions can be made: as much as 60-90% or more compared to conventional fossil alternatives. The study also looked into the gross water demand of hydrogen supply pathways. Water electrolysis has a very low specific water demand of 9 kg per kg of hydrogen compared to cooling of thermal power plants (hundreds of kg/kg) or biomass cultivation (hundreds to thousands of kg/kg).
Furthermore low-carbon hydrogen supply at scale is fully achievable. Having investigated two hypothetical boundary scenarios (a “green-only” and a “blue-only” scenario) to assess the feasibility and impact of decarbonized hydrogen supply the report found that both scenarios are feasible: they are not limited by the world’s renewables potential or carbon sequestration (CCS) capacities and they do not exceed the speed at which industry can scale. In the Hydrogen Council’s “Scaling up” study a demand of 21800 TWh hydrogen has been identified for the year 2050. To achieve this a compound annual growth rate of 30-35% would be needed for electrolysers and CCS. This deployment rate is in line with the growth of the offshore wind and solar PV industry over the last decade.
Hydrogen Council data released in January 2020 showed that a wide range of hydrogen applications can become competitive by 2030 driven also by falling costs of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen[1]. The new study indicates that a combination of “green” and “blue” production pathways would lead to hydrogen cost reductions relative to either boundary scenario. By making use of the near-term cost advantage of “blue” while also scaling up “green” hydrogen as the most cost-efficient option in many regions in the medium and long-term the combined approach lowers average hydrogen costs between now and 2050 relative to either boundary scenario.
Part 1 – A Life-cycle Assessment
You can download the full reports from the Hydrogen Council website
Hydrogen Council Report- Decarbonization Pathways Part 1: Life Cycle Assessment here
Hydrogen Council Report-Decarbonization Pathways Part 2: Supply Scenarios here
An executive summary of the whole project can be found here
In 2020 more than 15 countries launched major hydrogen plans and policies and industry players announced new projects of more than 35GW until 2030. As this hydrogen momentum accelerates it is increasingly clear that decision makers must put the focus on decarbonization to ensure hydrogen can fulfil its potential as a key solution in the global clean energy transition making a significant contribution to net zero emissions. To support this effort the two-part Hydrogen Council report provides new data based on an assessment of the GHG emissions generated through different hydrogen supply pathways and the lifecycle GHG emissions for different hydrogen applications (see report part 1 – A Life-cycle Assessment). In addition the report explores 3 hypothetical hydrogen supply scenarios to measure the feasibility and impact of deploying renewable and low-carbon hydrogen at scale (report part 2 – Potential Supply Scenarios).
The report outlines that there are many ways of producing hydrogen and although GHG emissions vary widely very high CO2 savings can be achieved across a broad range of different hydrogen production pathways and end-uses. For example while “green” hydrogen produced through water electrolysis with renewable power achieves the lowest emissions “blue” hydrogen produced from natural gas with high CO2 capture rate and storage can also achieve low emissions if best technologies are used and best practices are followed. Across eight illustrative pathways explored in the report analysis shows that if hydrogen is used significant GHG emission reductions can be made: as much as 60-90% or more compared to conventional fossil alternatives. The study also looked into the gross water demand of hydrogen supply pathways. Water electrolysis has a very low specific water demand of 9 kg per kg of hydrogen compared to cooling of thermal power plants (hundreds of kg/kg) or biomass cultivation (hundreds to thousands of kg/kg).
Furthermore low-carbon hydrogen supply at scale is fully achievable. Having investigated two hypothetical boundary scenarios (a “green-only” and a “blue-only” scenario) to assess the feasibility and impact of decarbonized hydrogen supply the report found that both scenarios are feasible: they are not limited by the world’s renewables potential or carbon sequestration (CCS) capacities and they do not exceed the speed at which industry can scale. In the Hydrogen Council’s “Scaling up” study a demand of 21800 TWh hydrogen has been identified for the year 2050. To achieve this a compound annual growth rate of 30-35% would be needed for electrolysers and CCS. This deployment rate is in line with the growth of the offshore wind and solar PV industry over the last decade.
Hydrogen Council data released in January 2020 showed that a wide range of hydrogen applications can become competitive by 2030 driven also by falling costs of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen[1]. The new study indicates that a combination of “green” and “blue” production pathways would lead to hydrogen cost reductions relative to either boundary scenario. By making use of the near-term cost advantage of “blue” while also scaling up “green” hydrogen as the most cost-efficient option in many regions in the medium and long-term the combined approach lowers average hydrogen costs between now and 2050 relative to either boundary scenario.
Part 1 – A Life-cycle Assessment
- The life-cycle assessment (LCA) analysis in this study addresses every aspect of the supply chain from primary energy extraction to end use. Eight primary-energy-to-hydrogen value chains have been selected for illustrative purposes.
- Across the hydrogen pathways and applications depicted very high to high GHG emission reduction can be demonstrated using green (solar wind) and blue hydrogen.
- In the LCA study renewables + electrolysis shows strongest GHG reduction of the different hydrogen supply pathways assessed in this study with a best-case blue hydrogen pathway also coming into the same order of magnitude.
- Currently the vast majority of hydrogen is produced by fossil pathways. To achieve a ten-fold build-out of hydrogen supply by 2050 as envisaged by the Hydrogen Council in its ‘Scaling Up’ report (2017) the existing use of hydrogen – and all its many potential new roles – need to be met by decarbonized sources.
- Three hypothetical supply scenarios with decarbonized hydrogen sources are considered in the study: 1) a “green-only” renewables-based world; 2) a “blue-only” world relying on carbon sequestration; and 3) a combined scenario that uses a region-specific combination of green and blue hydrogen based on the expected regional cost development of each source.
- The study finds that a decarbonized hydrogen supply is possible regardless of the production pathway: while both the green and blue boundary scenario would be highly ambitious regarding the required speed of scale-up they do not exceed the world’s resources on either renewable energy or carbon sequestration capabilities.
- A combination of production pathways would result in the least-cost global supply over the entire period of scale-up. It does so by making best use of the near-term cost advantage of “blue” in some regions while simultaneously achieving a scale-up in electrolysis.
- In reality the decarbonized supply scenario will combine a range of different renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production pathways that are optimally suited to local conditions political and societal preferences and regulations as well as industrial and cost developments for different technologies.
You can download the full reports from the Hydrogen Council website
Hydrogen Council Report- Decarbonization Pathways Part 1: Life Cycle Assessment here
Hydrogen Council Report-Decarbonization Pathways Part 2: Supply Scenarios here
An executive summary of the whole project can be found here
Roadmap to Decarbonising European Shipping
Nov 2018
Publication
Shipping is one of the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sectors of the global economy responsible for around 1 Gt of CO2eq every year. If shipping were a country it would be the 6th biggest GHG emitter. EU related shipping is responsible for about 1/5 of global ship GHG emissions emitting on average 200 Mt/year. This report assesses potential technology pathways for decarbonising EU related shipping through a shift to zero carbon technologies and the impact such a move could have on renewable electricity demand in Europe. It also identifies key policy and sustainability issues that should be considered when analysing and supporting different technology options to decarbonise the maritime sector. The basis of the study is outbound journeys under the geographical scope of the EU ship MRV Regulation.
We have not tried to quantify the emissions reductions that specific regulatory measures to be introduced at the IMO or EU level might contribute towards decarbonisation by 2050 because there are too many uncertainties. We have taken a more limited first approach and investigated how zero carbon propulsion pathways that currently seem feasible to decarbonise shipping would likely affect the future EU renewable energy supply needs.
It is now generally accepted that ship design efficiency requirements while potentially having an important impact on future emissions growth will fall well short of what is needed. Further operational efficiency measures such as capping operational speed will be important to immediately peak energy consumption and emissions but will be insufficient to decarbonise the sector or reduce its growing energy needs. In this context this study assumes that with all the likely immediate measures adopted energy demand for EU related shipping will still grow by 50% by 2050 over 2010 levels. This is within the range of the 20 -1 20% global BAU maritime energy demand growth estimate.
The decarbonisation of shipping will require changes in on -board energy storage and use and the necessary accompanying bunkering infrastructure. This study identifies the technology options for zero emission propulsion that based on current know-how are likely to be adopted. It is not exhaustive nor prescriptive because the ultimate pathways will likely depend on both the requirements of the shipping industry in terms of cost efficiency and safety and on the future renewable electricity sources that the shipping sect or will need to compete for.
Literature is nascent on the different techno-economic options likely to be available to decarbonise shipping and individual ships 4 but almost completely lacking on the possible impacts of maritime decarbonisation on the broader energy system(s). Understanding these impacts is nevertheless essential because it will influence financial and economic decision making by the EU and member states including those related to investment in future renewable energy supplies and new ship bunkering infrastructure. With this in mind the report aims to provide a preliminary first answer to the following question: Under different zero emission technology pathways how much additional renewable electricity would be needed to cater for the needs of EU related shipping in 2050?
Link to Document Download on Transport & Environment website
We have not tried to quantify the emissions reductions that specific regulatory measures to be introduced at the IMO or EU level might contribute towards decarbonisation by 2050 because there are too many uncertainties. We have taken a more limited first approach and investigated how zero carbon propulsion pathways that currently seem feasible to decarbonise shipping would likely affect the future EU renewable energy supply needs.
It is now generally accepted that ship design efficiency requirements while potentially having an important impact on future emissions growth will fall well short of what is needed. Further operational efficiency measures such as capping operational speed will be important to immediately peak energy consumption and emissions but will be insufficient to decarbonise the sector or reduce its growing energy needs. In this context this study assumes that with all the likely immediate measures adopted energy demand for EU related shipping will still grow by 50% by 2050 over 2010 levels. This is within the range of the 20 -1 20% global BAU maritime energy demand growth estimate.
The decarbonisation of shipping will require changes in on -board energy storage and use and the necessary accompanying bunkering infrastructure. This study identifies the technology options for zero emission propulsion that based on current know-how are likely to be adopted. It is not exhaustive nor prescriptive because the ultimate pathways will likely depend on both the requirements of the shipping industry in terms of cost efficiency and safety and on the future renewable electricity sources that the shipping sect or will need to compete for.
Literature is nascent on the different techno-economic options likely to be available to decarbonise shipping and individual ships 4 but almost completely lacking on the possible impacts of maritime decarbonisation on the broader energy system(s). Understanding these impacts is nevertheless essential because it will influence financial and economic decision making by the EU and member states including those related to investment in future renewable energy supplies and new ship bunkering infrastructure. With this in mind the report aims to provide a preliminary first answer to the following question: Under different zero emission technology pathways how much additional renewable electricity would be needed to cater for the needs of EU related shipping in 2050?
Link to Document Download on Transport & Environment website
Hydrogen Europe 2020
Dec 2020
Publication
2020: a great year for hydrogen! Among other things 2020 has been exceptional for H2 technology deployment and policy development. The European Commission’s hydrogen strategy is just one of many crowning achievements! What does the future hold?
How Hydrogen Can Help Decarbonise the Maritime Sector
Jun 2021
Publication
Hydrogen Europe is the organisation representing the interests of the European hydrogen industry. It fully adheres to the European Union’s target of climate neutrality by 2050 and supports the European Commission’s objectives to develop and integrate more renewable energy sources into the European energy mix.<br/><br/>In December 2015 in Paris a global climate agreement was reached at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21). The Paris Agreement is seen as a historic and landmark instrument in climate action. However the agreement is lacking emphasis on international maritime transport and the role that this sector will need to play in contributing to the decarbonisation of the global economy and in striving for a clean planet for all.<br/><br/>Hydrogen hydrogen-based fuels (such as ammonia) and hydrogen technologies offer tremendous potential for the maritime sector<br/>and if properly harnessed can significantly contribute to the decarbonisation and also mitigate the air pollution of the worldwide fleet. Hydrogen Europe will be the catalyst in this process the decarbonisation and also mitigate the air pollution of the worldwide fleet. Hydrogen Europe will be the catalyst in this process.<br/><br/>The pathway towards hydrogen and hydrogenbased fuels for the maritime sector does not come without technological and commercial challenges let alone regulatory barriers.
Hydrogen Europe's Position Paper on the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy
Dec 2020
Publication
The document highlights the role of hydrogen in the decarbonisation of the transport sector. It also provides a series of policy recommendations covering all modes of transport hydrogen distribution and infrastructure and hydrogen as a fuel.
How To Transport and Store Hydrogen – Facts and Figures
Apr 2021
Publication
The EU has set a goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and decided to raise its 2030 climate target to 55%. For this the EU needs to transform its energy system. It is of paramount importance that it will become more efficient affordable and interconnected. Hydrogen can play a pivotal role in the EU’s decarbonisation efforts and be at the centre of the energy system integration supporting transport of renewable energy over very long distances and facilitating renewables storage from one season to another.<br/><br/>ENTSOG GIE and Hydrogen Europe have joined forces on a factsheet that answers a number of fundamental questions about gaseous and liquid hydrogen transport and storage titled “How to transport and store hydrogen? Facts and figures”. This factsheet provides an objective and informative analysis on key concepts terminology and facts and figures from different public sources.<br/><br/>The factsheet illustrates the EU’s potential to enable a global hydrogen economy and to become a global technology leader due to its extensive gas infrastructure that can be used to transport blends of hydrogen or be converted to transport pure hydrogen.
Briefing on the EU Innovation Fund and the Implications for CCUS Projects- First Report on the Thematic Working Group on Policy, Regulation and Public Perception
Jan 2020
Publication
This report outlines the key modalities and procedures for the Innovation Fund and focuses on the potential funding implications for CCUS projects. The assessment of the suitability of the Innovation Fund for CCS projects has been completed based on discussion during a workshop hosted by the EU CCUS Projects Network in October 2019. This session was part of the Network’s Thematic Group on Policy Regulation and Public Perception. The session was held according to Chatham House rules to allow the projects present to exchange viewpoints and ideas freely.<br/>Broadly speaking it is hoped that the Innovation Fund Call for Proposal documents expected in mid-2020 will provide more information on how applicants should approach some of the key evaluation criteria namely calculating emissions avoidance for part-chain CCS and CCU projects demonstrating project maturity as well as project innovativeness. Furthermore there remains a concern that the costs for developing sufficient contingent storage sites could be overlooked by the Innovation Fund and EU policies directed towards CCS in general. Finally whereas there does not seem to be any regulatory barriers to blending Innovation Fund financing with Member State subsidies the asynchronous timing between the planned final investment decisions (FIDs) of some of the more advanced projects and the outcomes of the Innovation Fund (expected in 2022) means that certain projects may not be able to benefit from this.
Study on Fuel Cells Hydrogen Trucks
Dec 2020
Publication
Fuel cell and hydrogen (FCH) technology is a very promising zero-emission powertrain solution for the heavy-duty trucking industry. The FCH 2 JU subcontracted this study to analyse the state-of-the-art of the technology its surrounding policy and regulatory regime ongoing trial and demonstrations projects and its total cost of ownership and market potential. Furthermore specific case studies and industry experts identified remaining technological and non-technological barriers for FCH technology in different trucking use cases.
The study projects a potential fuel cell trucks sales share of approx. 17% of new trucks sold in 2030 based on a strong technology cost-reduction trajectory. With scaled-up production of FCH trucks and hydrogen offered below 6 EUR/kg FCH heavy-duty trucks (FCH HDT) provide the operational performance most comparable to diesel trucks regarding daily range refuelling time payload capacity and TCO. Nine case studies were developed as first tangible business opportunity blueprints for the industry. They also provide a view on current limitations of real-life operations. In conclusion 22 barriers have been identified that successfully tackled will unlock the full commercial potential of FCH HDT for the trucking and logistics industry. The study proposes tailored R&I projects and policy recommendations that address such remaining barriers in the short-term.
The study projects a potential fuel cell trucks sales share of approx. 17% of new trucks sold in 2030 based on a strong technology cost-reduction trajectory. With scaled-up production of FCH trucks and hydrogen offered below 6 EUR/kg FCH heavy-duty trucks (FCH HDT) provide the operational performance most comparable to diesel trucks regarding daily range refuelling time payload capacity and TCO. Nine case studies were developed as first tangible business opportunity blueprints for the industry. They also provide a view on current limitations of real-life operations. In conclusion 22 barriers have been identified that successfully tackled will unlock the full commercial potential of FCH HDT for the trucking and logistics industry. The study proposes tailored R&I projects and policy recommendations that address such remaining barriers in the short-term.
Non-combustion Related Impact of Hydrogen Admixture - Material Compatibility
Jun 2020
Publication
The present document is part of a larger literature survey of this WP aiming to establish the current status of gas utilisation technologies in order to determine the impact of hydrogen (H2) admixture on natural gas (NG) appliances. This part focuses on the non-combustion related aspects of injecting hydrogen in the gas distribution networks within buildings including hydrogen embrittlement of metallic materials chemical compatibility and leakage issues. In the particular conditions of adding natural gas and hydrogen (NG / H2) mixture into a gas distribution network hydrogen is likely to reduce the mechanical properties of metallic components. This is known as hydrogen embrittlement (HE) (Birnbaum 1979). This type of damage takes place once a critical level of stress / strain and hydrogen content coexist in a susceptible microstructure. Currently four mechanisms were identified and will be discussed in detail. The way those mechanisms act independently or together is strongly dependent on the material the hydrogen charging procedure and the mechanical loading type. The main metallic materials used in gas appliances and gas distribution networks are: carbon steels stainless steels copper brass and aluminium alloys (Thibaut 2020). The presented results showed that low alloy steels are the most susceptible materials to hydrogen embrittlement followed by stainless steels aluminium copper and brass alloys. However the relative pressures of the operating conditions of gas distribution network in buildings are low i.e. between 30 to 50 mbar. At those low hydrogen partial pressures it is assumed that a gas mixture composed of NG and up to 50% H2 should not be problematic in terms of HE for any of the metallic materials used in gas distribution network unless high mechanical stress / strain and high stress concentrations are applied. The chemical compatibility of hydrogen with other materials and specifically polyethylene (PE) which is a reference material for the gas industry is also discussed. PE was found to have no corrosion issues and no deterioration or ageing was observed after long term testing in hydrogen gas. The last non-combustion concern related to the introduction of hydrogen in natural gas distribution network is the propensity of hydrogen toward leakage. Indeed the physical properties of hydrogen are different from other gases such as methane or propane and it was observed that hydrogen leaks 2.5 times quicker than methane. This bibliographical report on material deterioration chemical compatibility and leakage concerns coming with the introduction of NG / H2 mixture in the gas distribution network sets the basis for the upcoming experimental work where the tightness of gas distribution network components will be investigated (Task 3.2.3 WP3). In addition tightness of typical components that connect end-user appliances to the local distribution line shall be evaluated as well.
H2ero Net Zero: Hydrogen Europe Position Paper on the Fit for 55 Package
Jun 2021
Publication
Hydrogen has seen unprecedented development in the year 2020. From innovative niche technology it is fast becoming a systemic element in the European Union’s (EU) efforts to transition to a climate-neutral society in 2050. It will become a crucial energy vector and the other leg of the energy transition – alongside renewable electricity – by replacing coal oil and gas across different segments of the economy. The rapid development of hydrogen is important for meeting the EU’s climate objectives and preserving and enhancing the EU’s industrial and economic competitiveness securing jobs and value creation in this high-tech sector.
Europe is currently leading in hydrogen technology and European companies and knowledge institutions can be instrumental in advancing technological developments and industrial scale-up. It is imperative that Europe maintains this leadership position and seizes the current momentum for hydrogen technologies. The EU is well placed to become the birthplace of a global hydrogen economy denominated in Euro currency.
It is time that hydrogen moves from an afterthought to a central pillar of the energy system. The “Fit for 55 Package” presents a unique opportunity to begin putting into place a concrete and fit for purpose framework for the development of a clean hydrogen economy. In this paper you will find Hydrogen Europe’s recommendations on how hydrogen can:
Europe is currently leading in hydrogen technology and European companies and knowledge institutions can be instrumental in advancing technological developments and industrial scale-up. It is imperative that Europe maintains this leadership position and seizes the current momentum for hydrogen technologies. The EU is well placed to become the birthplace of a global hydrogen economy denominated in Euro currency.
It is time that hydrogen moves from an afterthought to a central pillar of the energy system. The “Fit for 55 Package” presents a unique opportunity to begin putting into place a concrete and fit for purpose framework for the development of a clean hydrogen economy. In this paper you will find Hydrogen Europe’s recommendations on how hydrogen can:
- Unleash the potential of renewables.
- Bring “efficiency” to the energy “system” of the future.
- Enable a carbon-neutral transport system.
Horizon 2020 Impact Assessment Report
Nov 2011
Publication
Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market.<br/>Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe's global competitiveness.<br/><br/>Seen as a means to drive economic growth and create jobs Horizon 2020 has the political backing of Europe’s leaders and the Members of the European Parliament. They agreed that research is an investment in our future and so put it at the heart of the EU’s blueprint for smart sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs.<br/><br/>By coupling research and innovation Horizon 2020 is helping to achieve this with its emphasis on excellent science industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. The goal is to ensure Europe produces world-class science removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation.<br/><br/>Horizon 2020 is open to everyone with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly – and achieve results faster.<br/><br/>The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation will be complemented by further measures to complete and further develop the European Research Area. These measures will aim at breaking down barriers to create a genuine single market for knowledge research and innovation.
FCH Programme Review Report 2014
Apr 2015
Publication
The 2014 Review is the fourth review of the FCH JU project portfolio. The reviews began in 2011 following a recommendation arising from the interim evaluation of the FCH JU which identified the need to ensure that the FCH JU project portfolio as a whole fulfilled the objectives of the Multi-Annual Implementation or Work Plan.<br/><br/>An international team of leading experts in the FCH field undertakes each review based on (1) The achievements of the portfolio against the strategic objectives and content of the FCH JU’s MAIP/MAWP and the AIP/AWPs as set out for the transportation and energy innovation pillars and the cross-cutting category; (2) The extent to which the portfolio meets the FCH JU’s remit for promoting the horizontal activities of RCS PNR safety life-cycle and socio-economic analysis education and training and public awareness; (3) The portfolio’s effectiveness in promoting linkages and co-operation between projects and between FCH JU-supported projects and those supported by other European instruments the Member States and internationally. Review panels The 2014 review comprised six panels covering a total of 114 projects. Each panel covered between 10 and 24 projects as shown in Table 1 below. The objective was to assess projects within each panel as a sub-portfolio (within the FCH JU portfolio) and not as individual projects although examples of individual projects representing good practice were highlighted.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: Joint Undertaking Programme Review 2011 Final Report
Apr 2012
Publication
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has the ambitious objective to place Europe at the forefront of the development commercialization and deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies as of 2015. About €470 million over a six year period have been granted by the European Union to achieve this and private funds are being attracted to support the same ambition as part of the global European effort embedded in the multi-annual implementation plan MAIP (2008-2013).
Hydrogen Act Towards the creation of the European Hydrogen Economy
Apr 2021
Publication
It is time that hydrogen moves from an afterthought to a central pillar of the energy system and its key role in delivering climate neutrality means it merits a dedicated framework. It becomes paramount to allow hydrogen to express its full potential as the other leg of the energy mobility and industry transitions. The proposed “Hydrogen Act” is not a single piece of legislation it is intended to be a vision for an umbrella framework aimed at harmonising and integrating all separate hydrogen-related actions and legislations. It focuses on infrastructure and market aspects describing three phases of development: the kick-start phase the ramp-up phase and the market-growth phase.
Clean Hydrogen Monitor
Oct 2020
Publication
It’s the first of its kind overview showing the state of play with regards to hydrogen technologies in Europe. On an annual basis there will be an update serving as a basis for your investment or political decisions.<br/><br/>OUR MISSION IS – NO EMISSION!<br/>From day 1 Hydrogen Europe promoted clean hydrogen and clean hydrogen technologies as enablers of a decarbonised energy system. We strongly support the adoption of very ambitious climate targets for 2030 and the objective of carbon neutrality in the EU by 2050. Clean hydrogen can help to realise this transition of our energy system in multiple sectors from energy production storage and distribution to end-uses in transport industry heating and others.<br/><br/>CLEAN HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGIES CAN AND WILL REPLACE<br/>not just fossil-based hydrogen in current (industrial) uses but also other fossil-based energies such as petrol diesel and hydrocarbon fuels in the transport sector coal /coke in the steel sector natural gas in the heating sector and other polluting and emitting fuels and feedstocks. <br/><br/>WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A SYSTEMIC CHANGE.<br/>The use of clean hydrogen needs adaptations in production schemes in the infrastructure and in the deployment of hydrogen by the end users. This cannot – of course –be done in a day. Yet we should not wait for the implementation of the different hydrogen strategies on private municipal regional national or European level until other geographies worldwide race ahead.<br/><br/>
Hydrogen Valleys. Insights Into the Emerging Hydrogen Economies Around the World
Jun 2021
Publication
Clean hydrogen is universally considered an important energy vector in the global efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions to the "well below 2 °C scenario" as agreed by more than 190 states in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Hydrogen Valleys – regional ecosystems that link hydrogen production transportation and various end uses such as mobility or industrial feedstock – are important steps towards enabling the development of a new hydrogen economy.<br/><br/>This report has been issued during the setup of the "Mission Innovation Hydrogen Valley Platform" which was commissioned by the European Union and developed by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. The global information sharing platform to date already features 30+ global Hydrogen Valleys with a cumulative investment volume of more than EUR 30 billion. The projects provide a first-of-its kind look into the global Hydrogen Valley project landscape its success factors and remaining barriers. This report summarizes the findings and presents identified best practices for successful project development as well as recommendations for policymakers on how to provide a favourable policy environment that paves the way to reach the Hydrogen Valleys' full potential as enablers of the global hydrogen economy.
Powering a climate-neutral economy: An EU Strategy for Energy System Integration
Jul 2020
Publication
To become climate-neutral by 2050 Europe needs to transform its energy system which accounts for 75% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. The EU strategies for energy system integration and hydrogen adopted today will pave the way towards a more efficient and interconnected energy sector driven by the twin goals of a cleaner planet and a stronger economy.<br/><br/>The two strategies present a new clean energy investment agenda in line with the Commission's Next Generation EU recovery package and the European Green Deal. The planned investments have the potential to stimulate the economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis. They create European jobs and boost our leadership and competitiveness in strategic industries which are crucial to Europe's resilience.
Post COVID-19 and the Hydrogen Sector - A Hydrogen Europe Analysis
May 2020
Publication
Following the unprecedented Covid-19 outbreak currently unfolding Hydrogen Europe is publishing its latest paper: "Post COVID-19 and the Hydrogen Sector - A Hydrogen Europe Analysis"<br/><br/>On the long-term climate and environmental challenges remain the major threat to our planet and to humanity as a whole. The economic crisis following the Covid-19 pandemic may cause a significant delay to the adoption and commercial roll-out of clean hydrogen. It may even permanently endanger the capacity of the clean hydrogen sector to take-up its role as the missing link in the energy transition.<br/><br/>A swift decisive and coordinated action is necessary to address the risks and at least dampen the negative impact that they may have on the deployment of clean hydrogen technologies and on our transition to a net carbon yet powerful and wealthy economy.<br/><br/>Our document outlines the need for and rationale behind rapid action as a result of the Covid-19 impact. Please find here below a short summary of what you will find in it:<br/><br/>Is there a need to take action? – describing why the current pandemic will result in significantly jeopardising the hydrogen sector if no action is taken.<br/><br/>Why should action be taken? – underlining the importance of the hydrogen sector to EU’s decarbonisation efforts as well as its long-term potential to support sustainable economic growth of the EU. <br/><br/>What can be done? – outlining several potential options for supporting the industry starting from most obvious monetary support but including also no less important policy actions that can be taken to restore investors’ confidence.<br/><br/>How much will it cost? – containing an estimation of the value of the monetary support needed in order to retain the high skilled workforce and the sector’s investment portfolio followed by an estimation of what will be the impact of the action.
Hydrogen for Heating? Decarbonization Options for Households in the European Union in 2050
Mar 2021
Publication
This study compares the cost of several low-greenhouse gas (GHG) or GHG-neutral residential heating technologies in the year 2050: (1) hydrogen boilers (2) hydrogen fuel cells with an auxiliary hydrogen boiler for cold spells (3) air-source heat pumps using renewable electricity and (4) heat pumps with an auxiliary hydrogen boiler for cold spells. The assessment includes low-carbon hydrogen from steam-methane reforming (SMR) using natural gas combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS) or SMR + CCS and zero-carbon hydrogen produced from renewable electricity using electrolysis.
The analysis finds that air-source heat pumps are the most cost-effective residential heating technology in 2050 and are at least 50% lower cost than the hydrogen-only technologies. In a sensitivity analysis we find that even if natural gas costs were 50% lower or renewable electricity prices were 50% higher in 2050 compared to our central assumptions heat pumps would still be more cost-effective than hydrogen boilers or fuel cells. Renewable electrolysis hydrogen can be cost-competitive with SMR + CCS hydrogen in 2050 although electrolysis hydrogen is not produced at scale today. At the same time energy efficiency measures to reduce heat demand would be a more cost-effective strategy for achieving GHG reductions than any of the low-GHG heating pathways we assess in this study.
The analysis shows that all pathways using renewable electricity have a near-zero GHG intensity while SMR + CCS hydrogen could reduce GHG emissions by 69%–93% compared to natural gas if improvements are made in the future to reduce the GHG intensity of this pathway. Quantifying the GHG impact and cost effectiveness of various heating pathways is relevant for European policymakers facing decisions on how to both decarbonize buildings and alleviate energy poverty in line with commitments made in the Renovation Wave Initiative.
The document can be downloaded from the ICCT website
The analysis finds that air-source heat pumps are the most cost-effective residential heating technology in 2050 and are at least 50% lower cost than the hydrogen-only technologies. In a sensitivity analysis we find that even if natural gas costs were 50% lower or renewable electricity prices were 50% higher in 2050 compared to our central assumptions heat pumps would still be more cost-effective than hydrogen boilers or fuel cells. Renewable electrolysis hydrogen can be cost-competitive with SMR + CCS hydrogen in 2050 although electrolysis hydrogen is not produced at scale today. At the same time energy efficiency measures to reduce heat demand would be a more cost-effective strategy for achieving GHG reductions than any of the low-GHG heating pathways we assess in this study.
The analysis shows that all pathways using renewable electricity have a near-zero GHG intensity while SMR + CCS hydrogen could reduce GHG emissions by 69%–93% compared to natural gas if improvements are made in the future to reduce the GHG intensity of this pathway. Quantifying the GHG impact and cost effectiveness of various heating pathways is relevant for European policymakers facing decisions on how to both decarbonize buildings and alleviate energy poverty in line with commitments made in the Renovation Wave Initiative.
The document can be downloaded from the ICCT website
Advancing Europe's Energy Systems- Stationary Fuel Cells in Distributed Generation
Mar 2015
Publication
Stationary fuel cells can play a beneficial role in Europe's changing energy landscape. The energy systems across Europe face significant challenges as they evolve against the backdrop of an ambitious climate agenda. As energy systems integrate more and more generation capacity from intermittent renewables numerous challenges arise. Amongst others Europe's energy systems of the future require new concepts for complementary supply such as efficient distributed power generation from natural gas. At the same time significant investments to modernise the electricity grid infrastructure are needed. Long-term storage solutions become a growing priority to ensure permanent power supply e.g. power-to-gas. Moreover Europe puts greater emphasis on energy efficiency in order to save primary energy reduce fuel imports and increase energy security.
Against this background distributed generation from stationary fuel cells promises significant benefits. This study outlines a pathway for commercialising stationary fuel cells in Europe The present study outlines a pathway for commercialising stationary fuel cells in Europe. It produces a comprehensive account of the current and future market potential for fuel cell distributed energy generation in Europe benchmarks stationary fuel cell technologies against competing conventional technologies in a variety of use cases and assesses potential business models for commercialisation. Considering the results of the technological and commercial analysis the study pinpoints focus areas for further R&D to sustain innovation and provides recommendations for supportive policy frameworks.
The study has been sponsored by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. Compiled by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants it builds on an interactive approach involving a coalition of more than 30 companies public institutions and associations from the stakeholder community of the European stationary fuel cell industry.
Against this background distributed generation from stationary fuel cells promises significant benefits. This study outlines a pathway for commercialising stationary fuel cells in Europe The present study outlines a pathway for commercialising stationary fuel cells in Europe. It produces a comprehensive account of the current and future market potential for fuel cell distributed energy generation in Europe benchmarks stationary fuel cell technologies against competing conventional technologies in a variety of use cases and assesses potential business models for commercialisation. Considering the results of the technological and commercial analysis the study pinpoints focus areas for further R&D to sustain innovation and provides recommendations for supportive policy frameworks.
The study has been sponsored by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. Compiled by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants it builds on an interactive approach involving a coalition of more than 30 companies public institutions and associations from the stakeholder community of the European stationary fuel cell industry.
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