Hydrogen and Biomethane are Key Components of the Energy System

Hydrogen and biomethane are indispensable to the success of the energy transition. Their enormous potential is a powerful lever for not only diversifying Germany’s energy supply, but also making it climate-neutral and sustainable. “Energy costs worldwide are spiralling out of control. As an industrial nation and the world’s third-largest economy, Germany has enormous energy requirements. This can only be met if renewable gases – whether locally produced or imported – become essential building blocks of tomorrow’s energy system,” said Prof Gerald Linke, Chairman of the Board of the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) at today’s opening of the Hydrogen Spotlight Area at IFAT in Munich. “However, the reality is that we must also intensify the promotion of domestic energy resources, in other words, drive forward the expansion of conventional natural gas production. Natural gas is the bridge to a hydrogen future. Security of supply, affordability and climate protection are the order of the day to relieve the burden on the economy and consumers and to position Germany for the future.”

At IFAT in Munich, hydrogen is once again playing a key role in this year’s exhibitor programme. “IFAT is far more than just the leading trade fair for the circular economy. It has become a globally recognised showcase for future technologies. We in Bavaria are particularly pleased that hydrogen has found its rightful place here. Since 2020, we have been driving forward with our hydrogen strategy, have launched pioneering projects in production, application and infrastructure, and have a strong local network of researchers and experts. Partnerships far beyond Bavaria are important to us, such as with the DVGW as a key setter of rules, standards and research initiatives for the hydrogen market in Germany and across Europe,” said Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, at the opening of the Hydrogen Spotlight Area.

The Hydrogen Spotlight Area (Hall A4, Stand 117, Messe München) also demonstrates concrete applications for this future energy source using best-practice projects as examples. For instance, the Bad Lauchstädt Energy Park uses a Lego model to illustrate the link between renewable energies and hydrogen production. Another exhibitor is the Augsburg Hydrogen Technology Region. Furthermore, the DVGW provides information on the potential of biogas and biomethane. A recently published study shows that, purely in mathematical terms, current biogas production (108 TWh/a) alone could cover 13 per cent of Germany’s gas demand. Forecasts for the year 2045 even anticipate a biomethane potential of up to 200 TWh/a.