Europe's Hydrogen Economy 2050: Demand, Drivers, and Infrastructure Needs
Key Ideas
  • Europe is projected to have a minimum demand of 700 TWh of hydrogen in 2050, mainly driven by the steel and chemical industries, requiring imports and electrolysers.
  • A pan-European hydrogen backbone is essential to connect production, storage, and consumption centers efficiently, ensuring the success of the hydrogen economy.
  • The transportation sector, particularly international aviation and shipping, is set to be a significant consumer of hydrogen for green fuels, with potential demand reaching 450 TWh in 2050.
  • The production of hydrogen in Europe hinges on the expansion of wind and solar plants; the role of electrolysis in sector coupling is expected to evolve significantly during the market ramp-up.
The latest white paper from the BMBF's hydrogen flagship project TransHyDE System Analysis, coordinated by Fraunhofer IEG and DECHEMA e.V., provides valuable insights into Europe's hydrogen economy in 2050. The researchers anticipate a substantial demand for hydrogen, with the steel and chemical industries being primary drivers, necessitating significant imports and electrolysers. To meet this demand, a pan-European hydrogen backbone network is deemed crucial for connecting production, storage, and consumption facilities efficiently. The transportation sector, especially international aviation and shipping, is expected to be a major consumer of hydrogen for green fuels, with a projected demand of 450 TWh in 2050. The study underscores the importance of cost reductions in green energy carriers post-2030 but notes challenges in economical heat generation at various temperature levels. The production of hydrogen in Europe is contingent upon achieving ambitious renewable energy expansion goals, with electrolysis playing a pivotal role in sector coupling. Furthermore, a suitably dimensioned hydrogen backbone network is highlighted as essential for minimizing overall system costs and enabling the supply of hydrogen demand. The research emphasizes the potential of repurposing natural gas pipelines and the competitive advantage of pipeline-bound imports from regions like MENA. Overall, the findings stress the significance of infrastructure development and collaborative efforts to realize a sustainable and efficient hydrogen economy.
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