The increased use of renewable energy plays a major role in the change of the energy system. Due to high fluctuation of renewable energy production, storage is needed to fulfill the need. Batteries are one option but especially for long time storage, hydrogen can play a major role. Up to now mainly large scale systems are researched and developed but as decentralized energy production is a key player for an energy transition small scale systems for communities and households based on electrolyzers, fuel cells and related storage components are needed for a broader use of green hydrogen. There is a high demand for research and demonstration of decentralized hydrogen applications in terms of integration in existing energy production facilities, networks, optimizing system efficiency, cost reduction by economies of scale and the development of new technologies. Additionally, sector coupling approaches need to be focused especially in terms of excess heat usage from hydrogen system components as electrolyzers and fuel cells. Integration of green hydrogen in existing energy infrastructure, as well as a sector coupling approach would lead to a new energy landscape based on green sources. Simulation models and tools for system design as well as the development of energy management algorithms need to be built, the regulatory framework needs to be adapted and financing and funding schemes need to be designed. Small scale systems based on the production, storage and usage (back-conversion) of green hydrogen can increase the speed of the energy transition as positive effects as the share of renewables in the local energy grids can be raised significantly. If the necessary hard- and software is developed a high positive influence by corresponding grid supporting measures could be made.

In order to decrease the costs of green hydrogen production, there is still a lot of research needed concerning the different components of an electrolyser system as well as the stack itself. Furthermore, there is also a lot of potential to increase lifetime by maintaining or even increasing efficiency. The scale-up of electrolysis technology should further include research on manufacturing and improved functionalities. In parallel, conversion of hydrogen into power (electricity) and heat (e.g. in CHP plants) has to happen at best efficiency and lowest costs. Most suitable conversion technologies for different applications need to be identified, further improved and tested also regarding minimum total environmental impact (on a cradle-to-grave basis incl. LCA aspects). In addition to battery-electric and hydrogen-powered powertrains, powertrains powered by synthetic gas and fuels based on regeneratively generated electricity, on CO2 from biogenic sources and using a Power to Gas/Liquid process enable CO2-neutral mobility. In order to minimize the energy needed for the production of synthetic gas/fuel, the efficiency of all process steps involved need to be further improved. Same is true for the conversion vice versa. Furthermore, alternative production routes for hydrogen and synthesis gas, which bear the potential to utilize other energy sources (heat, biomass etc.) efficiently, should be considered and developed further (e.g. SOEC, biomass-based hydrogen).

Only by means of fuel cell systems can electrified heavy-duty vehicles be represented, which offer a high utility value and can therefore be used economically. This applies to all areas of heavy goods traffic on the road, rail and water as well as all areas in which special vehicles are used (construction, mining, airport apron etc.). Moreover, this applies also to special means of transport and heavy-duty applications in tourism and public transport applications. For these applications, fuel cell systems – including the components as well as efficient development tools for reduced time-to-market – must be developed that meet the high robustness and durability requirements. During the transition phase, technologies enabling a full conversion of actually fossil fuel-based propulsion systems to systems fueled by hydrogen should be developed and quickly introduced to the market in order to scale up the hydrogen-demand for heavy duty transport (road, rail, waterborne) quickly.

Potential projects should comprise the research, development and demonstration of zero-emission mobility from tank-to-wheel in combination with lowest CO2 well-to-tank solutions. The different modes of transport can comprise water and land transport, which includes ships, rails or railways, road and off-road transport. Moreover, the solutions developed may be designed for both urban and rural areas. In particular innovative transport and tank concepts for the efficient distribution of large hydrogen volumes are needed. In order to foster a fast market penetration of CO2-free solutions, a technology neutral approach should be also considered enabling a (at least partial) conversion of existing technologies (i.e. conventional trucks in H2-ICE powered trucks). The goal is the development and demonstration of zero-emission freight logistics scenarios (e.g. trucks, delivery vans, last mile, industrial trucks etc.), including the use of locally zero-emission vehicles and integration of appropriate refueling infrastructure solutions. The development, integration and testing of fuel production and refueling infrastructure solutions as well as operational demonstration are crucial. Next to the use of hydrogen in logistics infrastructure the application in intralogistics has a major potential in CO2 reduction. There is a need for the development of hydrogen fueled intralogistics carriers and corresponding refueling infrastructure. Especially when compared to conventional battery powered systems or conventional fueled vehicles in heavy duty applications, hydrogen has the potential in increasing the usability and efficiency of these vehicles and systems with simultaneous reduction of operational and overall emissions. The economic sustainability of the development, as well as the option to transfer to regular operations, must be demonstrated at the end of the project period. The involvement of industry logistic partners, public transport providers, mobility services or fleet solutions are welcomed.

Completely new processes can be developed in industrial processes based on hydrogen. One example is the SuSteel project. For specific companies, such as in steel production, it is already foreseeable that current industrial processes will have to be converted to renewable gases such as hydrogen for a transition to CO2-free processes. This also requires new broad approaches, which are relevant in this White Spot. However, R&D for new technologies is explicitly focused on those processes that have no other viable alternative for a transition to CO2-neutral production than via renewable hydrogen.

The quality control working group has a central control function. It is its responsibility to define and control transparent quality criteria. In particular, this working group is responsible for ongoing monitoring within the model region, risk management and the evaluation of strategy processes within WIVA P&G.

The construction of hydrogen infrastructure is associated with various official permits. This working group was set up to minimize risk, deal with open questions, exchange experiences and develop well-founded expertise in connection with official procedures. The aim is to develop an expert paper on the subject of hydrogen and official approval procedures.

WIVA P&G always keeps an eye on potential changes in the environment. The contents of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) of the European Union have a central influence on the future of green hydrogen in the energy system. In this context, WIVA P&G set up the RED/DRA working group to develop a statement/position paper on this.