The market ramp-up for a safe, reliable and affordable energy supply with hydrogen has long since begun, and many framework conditions and regulations have been clarified. As an energy storage medium, the molecule of the future can synchronise volatile generation from renewable sources with actual demand. This is why hydrogen technology is seen as a key to the success of the energy transition. In addition, hydrogen and its derivatives such as ammonia and methanol can be transported over long distances and make it possible to import renewable energy to Europe and to Germany, a country in need of energy*. Now the focus is on the development of efficient energy infrastructure systems for hydrogen technology for the use of green electricity in industry, mobility and the building sector. We are supporting this in many projects with consulting and engineering. From the initial feasibility study to engineering for the authorities and plant construction.
*The national import strategy for hydrogen assumes a 50-70% import requirement for Germany and sees the German hydrogen core network as part of the European backbone, thereby emphasising the need for international cooperation.
Once the infrastructure is in place, hydrogen is unstoppable. In this large business field, the HydroHub supports companies, industries and municipalities with bundled 360° hydrogen expertise in consulting, engineering and training. An initiative of TÜV NORD GROUP companies.
Hydrogen consulting: The HydroHub analyses needs, identifies economic and technical potential and translates requirements into specific projects along the hydrogen value chain. With a practical hands-on customer focus, the teams of experts from TÜV NORD GROUP companies plan and realise projects for intelligent sector coupling, storage systems, site developments, hydrogen import strategies and much more.
The HydroHub offers orientation in this unique range of services and perfect matching with the specialised units in the TÜV NORD GROUP. Wait and see is not a strategy! The EU's climate protection targets, the German government's savings targets and increasing sustainability requirements are forcing a rapid transformation of energy systems through hydrogen technologies, for example. The market shares in the new hydrogen business are now being distributed - we offer the right hydrogen engineering.
The hydrogen industry is increasingly becoming a key technology for the long-term success of the energy transition and for climate protection. This goes hand in hand with a clear supply mandate for the population, and not just in Germany. Hydrogen infrastructures for production, storage and transmission are thus becoming critical infrastructure. This must be protected in the future, especially against cyber attacks from outside. The EU Commission also sees an urgent need for action and has formulated minimum standards in the EU NIS-2 Directive to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructures (KRITIS) to cyber threats and increase the level of cyber security within the EU. Since 17 October 2024, operators of hydrogen infrastructures have been subject to new obligations and extensive security measures. TÜVIT supports affected companies on a manufacturer-neutral basis in implementing the required measures and providing evidence of them.
When talking about the potential and benefits of hydrogen technology in the context of a sustainable energy supply, it is important to consider the entire range of hydrogen production options and analyse the respective impact on decarbonisation. The HydroHub offers technology-open hydrogen consulting and corresponding engineering in all directions.
But what is behind the colour palette of hydrogen? If hydrogen is produced from methane (natural gas) by means of steam reforming and the resulting CO2 is not captured, this is called grey hydrogen. However, if the greenhouse gas is bound and not released into the atmosphere, it is referred to as blue hydrogen. The term green hydrogen is used when the energy required to produce it by electrolysis comes from renewable sources, such as wind energy or photovoltaics. In this case, the only by-product is oxygen. In addition to these variants, there are also black, turquoise, red, white and yellow hydrogen, with very different effects on the important decarbonisation process. For example, CO2 emissions are produced here, which are either released into the atmosphere in their entirety if they are not captured and permanently stored or fed into the carbon dioxide cycle. TÜV NORD GROUP companies also offer support in this area. Red hydrogen is produced using nuclear power. Black hydrogen is produced using coal, whereas white hydrogen is a by-product of chemical processes. Finally, yellow hydrogen, like green or red hydrogen, is produced by electrolysis, but the energy required is taken from the electricity grid. What suits you? How can you be open to new technologies and still be sustainable? Talk to us! We offer independent hydrogen consulting and engineering.
The global climate targets are ambitious. Businesses in particular will have to make them possible. Hydrogen technology in particular will play a central role in achieving greenhouse gas neutrality and minimising the consumption of raw materials. In addition, the new geopolitical situation has given new impetus to the energy transition.
Wait and see is no longer a strategy - hydrogen is coming!
In Europe and also in Germany, extensive subsidies such as the IPCEI projects are being offered for this purpose. The international hydrogen strategies provide for high investments in research, development and production in order to enable rapid decarbonisation while at the same time ensuring resource security. Germany has set itself the goal of becoming one of the world's leading suppliers in this future field.
What participants in the hydrogen technology market need is a clear orientation. The HydroHub offers this through its H2 consulting, engineering and training services. It also supports the realisation of projects in the field of hydrogen technology. The services cover the entire hydrogen value chain and help to promote understanding of hydrogen technology and build the structures needed to establish hydrogen as a future energy carrier.
