The production of green hydrogen and hydrogen-based downstream products (derivatives) is a core pillar for the sustainable transformation of the energy system. In addition to electrolysis, a method using electricity from renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, there are other production processes. These must be further developed for different areas of application. Research and development is helping to make green hydrogen cheaper and therefore competitive.

1.1 Develop and scale up efficient, resource-saving electrolysers
Electrolysis processes that are particularly efficient and resource-saving are to be further developed. In addition, the capacity of the plants is to be scaled up.

1.2 Integrate hydrogen production in a system-orientated manner
Electrolysers can help to stabilise the electricity grid. They utilise surplus renewable electricity to produce hydrogen. It is important to improve the efficiency and service life of electrolysis technologies for these grid-supporting purposes. In addition, new site planning procedures are to be developed that take ecological and safety aspects into account. Electrolysers can be directly coupled with wind farms in the sea (offshore wind farms).

1.3 Further develop alternative hydrogen production processes
In addition to hydrogen electrolysis, there are various alternatives for producing hydrogen, such as photocatalytic, photobiological, solar thermal and solar thermochemical production processes. These are to be optimised so that they become economically viable.

1.4 Making the production of hydrogen derivatives more efficient
The production of climate-neutral, synthetic raw materials and fuels using green hydrogen is crucial for Germany to achieve the climate target. Hydrogen derivatives should therefore be produced more efficiently. It should also be taken into account that some processes produce carbon dioxide as an unavoidable by-product. This CO₂ must be captured and utilised.

Large hydrogen centres require a strong infrastructure that can be integrated into existing electricity and gas grids. Energy research provides answers as to how hydrogen can be stored and distributed as cost-effectively, safely and environmentally friendly as possible. It also sheds light on hydrogen import strategies and the connection to a European hydrogen network. Specifically, the following goals are being pursued in the area of infrastructure.

2.1 Modelling, planning and developing the hydrogen infrastructure
Researchers are developing special models that take into account the unique requirements and coexistence of hydrogen imports, local storage facilities, various generation plants and large electricity sources. The experts determine the need for hydrogen transport infrastructure. In addition, they analyse the impact of regulations and incentives to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure.

2.2 Retrofitting existing infrastructure
Many components of the existing natural gas infrastructure can be utilised for hydrogen. However, some aspects must first be adapted in terms of materials, technologies and safety. For example, fittings, compressors and gas treatment systems, as well as measurement methods, need to be adapted to the challenges of hydrogen as a medium and higher volume flows.

2.3 Storing hydrogen efficiently
In addition to the transport of hydrogen, concepts are also required to store the energy carrier. Hydrogen can be stored in pressurised containers, salt caverns or on carrier media, for example. Research is helping to make these storage options even more efficient.

2.4 Testing the use of hydrogen under real conditions
In order to establish a robust hydrogen economy, technologies for transport, import, storage and utilisation should be tested under real conditions. This will make it possible to review safety concepts, confirm flexibility potential and develop certification concepts.

Green hydrogen can be stored for a long time with virtually no losses and converted back into electricity when needed. This makes it possible to bridge times when there is hardly any wind and the sun is not shining. This requires efficient hydrogen turbines, fuel cells and gas engines. This is where research comes in and optimises technologies for hydrogen reconversion.

3.1 Scaling up and expanding the areas of application for fuel cells
Fuel cells can be used in a variety of ways, from decentralised electricity generation to powering vehicles such as ships or trains that cannot be supplied directly with electricity. Energy research aims to improve efficiency, service life and costs in order to optimise the integration of fuel cells into the energy system and develop them for megawatt power plants.

3.2 Making gas turbines and gas engines more flexible in operation through retrofitting
Power plants with gas engines should be able to run 100 per cent on hydrogen and synthetic fuels. The conversion and development of new plants is necessary in order to optimise efficiency, emissions and service life. For example, work is being carried out on combining gas and steam power plants with electrolysers in order to increase efficiency by using pure oxygen from electrolysis.

Industrial processes must be operated with climate-neutral energy sources if they cannot be electrified. This is the only way to reduce the high industrial consumption of natural gas in Germany, which leads to many millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year. The switch to hydrogen in industrial processes is therefore important and the demand for green hydrogen will increase. Increased efficiency and alternative processes are of great importance here.

4.1 Converting high-temperature processes and plants to green hydrogen and derivatives
In industry, there are many processes that can only be realised at high temperatures, such as melting, sintering or hardening. These processes are to be demonstrated using industrial hydrogen furnaces. The technical, quality-assured and economic utilisation is also to be demonstrated on an industrial scale.