Baden-Württemberg has set a goal of becomingnet greenhouse gas neutral by 2040. In 2020 , the state cabinet therefore adopted the “Baden-Württemberg Hydrogen Roadmap.” This roadmap outlines specific goals and measures for expanding the hydrogen economy in the state.
The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy has now published the “Hydrogen Supply Concept for Baden-Württemberg, ” which is intended to supplement the roadmap.
State Sees the Need for Reliable Demand
In the plan, the state government emphasizes the importance of reliable demand. Prices on the demand side and investment costs for production facilities would therefore need to gradually converge. The demand figures collected would serve as initial indicators of future trends in hydrogen demand.
To ensure planning certainty, the state government intends to supplement forecasts of hydrogen demand in Baden-Württemberg with studies and surveys. At the federal level, it is also recommended that demand be reviewed regularly as part of the “Gas and Hydrogen Network Development Plan.”
Rhine Railway: Baden-Württemberg Calls for an Extension of the Core Network
The state government also points out that an appropriate regulatory and financial framework is necessary for the development of anH2 pipeline infrastructure.
It therefore recommends that the federal government optimize the financing terms for investments by transmission system operators in the hydrogen core network . In addition, further connections in southern Baden-Württemberg should be taken into account, particularly the extension of the core network along the Rhine corridor.
In addition, the establishment and expansion of a hydrogen distribution network should be supported through regulatory and financial measures and incorporated into the “Gas and Hydrogen Network Development Plan.” According to the state government, hydrogen storage capacities would also need to be reviewed.
Plans to Expand Hydrogen Hubs
Regional and local hydrogen production is intended, in particular, to meet demand that arises either before hydrogen networks become operational or outside their service areas .
According to the state government, local production must be designed in such a way that it can be operated economically in the medium to long term. The key factors here are, above all, capital costs, available infrastructure, the cost of procuring renewable electricity, and the operating hours of the electrolyzer.
The state therefore plans to further expandits hydrogen hubs. Lower electricity costs for operating electrolysers would also be a key focus.
Meeting Long-Term Demand Through Imports
According to the state government’s assessment, international imports will account for the majority of the hydrogen supply in Baden-Württemberg in the medium to long term. The goal is to establish stable supply relationships and diversify sources of supply.
The state also intends to promote the development of a global hydrogen market and further expand partnerships. In addition, it plans to support federal government initiatives and instruments. The state government also believes that auction models such as“H2Global” should be further developed so that they are accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well.
In addition, the state government intends to support the international activities of companies in Baden-Württemberg —both in the import of hydrogen and the export of technologies.
Imports are to be transported via European pipelines
To facilitate the import of hydrogen into Baden-Württemberg, the state government is focusing on the expansion of European pipeline corridors. It also recommends the development, at the EU level, of a suitable financing instrument for the“European Hydrogen Backbone.”
In addition to pipeline connections, hydrogen could also be transported by ship, rail, or truck. The state government intends to monitor and analyze these import routes.
