Report by E.ON and Thüga Highlights Strategic Role of Electrolyzers in Germany’s Energy Transition

Report by E.ON and Thüga Highlights Strategic Role of Electrolyzers in Germany’s Energy Transition

(IN BRIEF) A joint report commissioned by E.ON and Thüga, conducted by the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (EWI), assesses the strategic placement of electrolyzers across Germany to support the energy transition. The study identifies regions best suited for deploying electrolyzers of varying capacities, emphasizing their role in integrating renewable energy, enhancing grid flexibility, and fostering the hydrogen economy. It underscores the importance of inclusive regional planning and highlights the potential benefits of electrolyzers in reducing grid strain and promoting economic decarbonization.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 28-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A recent report commissioned by E.ON and Thüga, conducted by the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (EWI), highlights the potential of electrolyzers to enhance Germany’s energy system. The study identifies various regions across Germany where electrolyzers could effectively integrate with renewable energy sources, alleviate grid pressures, and foster the hydrogen economy.

The report categorizes electrolyzers into different size classes and outlines their role in meeting future hydrogen demand and enhancing system flexibility. By 2030, smaller electrolyzers (under 10 megawatts) are seen as pivotal in regions like Dithmarschen and the central German chemical triangle, leveraging local renewable energy potential. Larger electrolyzers (over 50 megawatts) are recommended for northern Germany, the Ruhr, and Rhineland areas to optimize connectivity with planned hydrogen infrastructures.

Looking ahead to 2040, the report anticipates expanded suitability of regions for electrolyzer deployment, driven by increased hydrogen demand and network expansions. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive regional planning, the report underscores that every region can potentially contribute to a system-friendly deployment of electrolyzers, crucial for optimizing energy transitions.

Gabriël Clemens, Managing Director of E.ON Hydrogen, emphasized the report’s insights into how electrolyzers can bridge sectors and enhance energy system flexibility, guiding informed decisions for hydrogen adoption. Christoph Ullmer, Head of the Innovation Competence Center at Thüga AG, highlighted electrolyzers’ role in leveraging renewable energy locally to reduce grid strain and enhance economic decarbonization.

The EWI’s site assessment criteria included regional renewable energy potential, grid integration challenges, and future hydrogen infrastructure, providing a comprehensive evaluation of optimal electrolyzer deployment locations. For more details, the full report can be accessed here.

About Thüga

Munich-based Thüga Aktiengesellschaft (Thüga) is an investment and specialist consulting company with municipal roots. As a minority shareholder, it holds stakes in around 100 municipal energy and water companies throughout Germany. Together with its partners, Thüga forms the largest municipal association of local and regional energy and water supply companies in Germany − the Thüga Group. Together, the Thüga partners and their more than 22,000 employees supply almost five million customers nationwide with electricity, two million customers with natural gas and one million customers with drinking water. In 2022, they generated a turnover of around 44 billion euros. www.thuega.de

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SOURCE: E.ON SE