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Interview with Tobias Mirbach, Head of TOP-project hydrogen at EnBW AG
What role will hydrogen play in the future energy system?
Hydrogen is a key component for the future of energy, because even if further electrification and energy efficiency measures must play a central role in achieving climate neutrality, these will not be sufficient for a full decarbonization of all sectors. This is why we at EnBW are preparing for the transformation of our gas segment along the entire value chain and, together with our subsidiaries, are supporting our customers in the transition to a climate-neutral energy supply.
What contribution is EnBW making?
At EnBW, we have so far initiated more than twenty projects and activities along the entire value chain within the Group:
With projects to produce hydrogen, such as the “Reallabor H2-Wyhlen” with Naturenergie , or with initiatives to transform the gas distribution grid, such as Netze BW’s “Netzlabor H2-100) in Öhringen, we are demonstrating that a climate-friendly energy supply with hydrogen is possible in the future. Together with our transmission system operators terranets BW and ONTRAS, we are actively participating in the development of the national H2 core network. The joint “Flow” project is a central element of this for us. Our fuel switch power plants currently under construction are to be converted to hydrogen from the mid-2030s, thereby driving forward the decarbonization of electricity and heat generation. In addition, the Bad Lauchstädt energy park of our subsidiary VNG serves as a pioneering example for testing the interaction of individual elements along the entire value chain and preparing for the successful ramp-up of a hydrogen economy.
What does it take for the hydrogen ramp-up to be successful?
Three things are needed – we need to
- create a broad and competitive H2 supply
- incentivize H2 demand in a market-based manner and
- develop the H2 infrastructure in a demand-oriented and synchronized manner
For example: during the ramp-up of the hydrogen market, there will be a difference between the potential willingness to pay of H2 consumers on the one hand and hydrogen prices on the other. Therefore, market-based incentive instruments and investment-promoting framework conditions are needed to stimulate the hydrogen ramp-up, especially in the start-up phase. The goal is the competitiveness and profitability of hydrogen solutions – these can only be achieved through scaling and broad market penetration.
Introduction to hydrogen at EnBW:
With over 28,000 employees, EnBW is one of the largest energy companies in Germany and Europe. It supplies around 5.5 million customers with electricity, gas, water as well as services and products in the areas of infrastructure and energy. EnBW is actively shaping the future of the hydrogen economy and, together with its subsidiaries, is supporting its customers in the transformation to a decarbonized energy supply. EnBW is pursuing a integrated approach and is driving the transformation along the entire value chain: from transportation, storage and generation through to distribution, sales and use in electricity and heat generation.
