Hydrogen - A Key Element in the Energy Transition

Hydrogen is predominantly produced electrolytically through the power-to-gas process. Power-to-gas refers to generating gases from electrical energy. Surplus electricity from renewable energy sources can thus be utilized, relieving grid bottlenecks. By integrating the energy sectors of electricity, heat, mobility, and industry (energy sector coupling), synergies are efficiently harnessed. The storage of gases (hydrogen and methane) enables long-term energy storage. Synthetically produced methane (SNG) can be stored and transported via the natural gas grid.

Wind Blows, Sun Shines - The Foundation for Hydrogen Production

Instead of, for example, shutting down wind turbines, surplus electricity is used to produce green hydrogen via electrolysis. This hydrogen can be used directly as an energy carrier, transported, or stored. Injecting hydrogen into the natural gas grid and developing dedicated hydrogen networks are increasingly being promoted. Hydrogen can be utilized in fuel cells and engines for power generation or mobility. Additionally, hydrogen and its derivatives (e.g., ammonia and methanol) are vital raw materials for the steel and chemical industries. Furthermore, hydrogen can serve as a precursor for synthetic fuels (e-fuels).

Methanation - Producing Renewable or Green Gas (Electricity from Renewable Sources)

In methanation, hydrogen is converted into methane, binding CO₂ in the process. This renewable methane (SNG) is of natural gas quality and can be used like natural gas or fed into the gas grid.

• Catalytic Methanation: Methane is produced through a technical process (Sabatier process) using a catalyst.
• Biological Methanation: Specialized microorganisms are used in bioreactors to produce methane.

The choice of method depends significantly on the scale and the planned CO₂ source. Biogas or CO₂-rich exhaust gas from a biogas upgrading plant can serve as CO₂ sources for methanation, reducing emissions and eliminating the need for complex CO₂ extraction from the atmosphere. In the case of biogas upgrading, a feed-in connection to the natural gas grid is already available, and the heat generated during methanation can be utilized. This increases the overall efficiency of the plant.