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Case studies on hydrogen produced from biomass

The new report “Synergies of green hydrogen and biobased value chains deployment. Report WP2: Case studies on hydrogen produced from biomass” was released by the Inter-Task Project Synergies of Green Hydrogen and Biobased Value Chains.

The report explores technology options for producing biomass-based hydrogen (biohydrogen) and their respective technology readiness levels.

✅ Regulatory context

It is important to underline that biohydrogen does not qualify as renewable hydrogen or renewable fuel of non-biological origin (RFNBO) under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), since biomass is explicitly excluded from the definition of RFNBO.
RED III: ‘renewable fuels of non-biological origin’ means liquid and gaseous fuels the energy content of which is derived from renewable sources other than biomass;
Nevertheless, the report provides valuable insights into how different biomass conversion technologies could contribute to hydrogen and commodity production.

Figure: Main conversion processes to produce hydrogen from biomass sources (based on Buffi et.al 2022)

Source: Report “Synergies of green hydrogen and biobased value chains deployment”

☑️ Key findings of the report

Biohydrogen can be produced through several conversion routes, using a wide range of biogenic feedstocks.
Feedstock options vary from low-grade materials (wastewater, forestry and agricultural residues) to higher quality feedstocks (bioethanol, biomethane).
Many production concepts deliver additional co-products, such as biochar, biocarbon, or biomethane, and in some cases CO₂ streams that could enable negative emissions.
Case studies provide detailed assessments of technology readiness, economic fundamentals, climate impacts, and their potential role in the energy system.

✅ Status of development

All production concepts examined remain at the development stage (TRL 4–7) and none has yet reached full commercialization.
The report highlights both the opportunities and the barriers for scaling these technologies.

☑️ Takeaway

While biohydrogen will not play a role in fulfilling RED III targets for RFNBO, it may provide complementary pathways for decarbonisation and resource efficiency, particularly if integrated into biobased value chains with multiple outputs.

➡️ Source: Report “Synergies of green hydrogen and biobased value chains deployment”

Posted By : admin 27 Aug, 2025

Potential for hydrogen trade

Figure: Percentage of demand for hydrogen and related commodities met by imports

Source: The potential for green hydrogen and related commodities trade

🌍 Around 20% of global hydrogen demand is expected to be met through international trade – with the remaining 80% produced locally, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

✅ But the picture varies significantly across regions:

Japan & South Korea may import up to 90% of their green hydrogen needs.
EU expects imports to cover around 30%.
Canada foresees only about 4% reliance on imports.

These differences underline the importance of tailored policies and strategies to match each country’s energy landscape.

➡️ Source: IRENA (2025), Analysis of the potential for green hydrogen and related commodities trade, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi.

Posted By : admin 24 Aug, 2025

The Origins of Power-to-X concept

Sector coupling resulted from Power-to-Gas and Power-to-X. It links the sectors of electricity, heat, transport and industry via energy storage and energy converters and using renewable electricity as ‘primary energy’ for ecarbonization. Power-to-Heat, Power-to-Gas, Power-to-Liquid, Power-to-Chemicals, Power-to-Products.

Figure: Sector coupling resulted from Power-to-Gas and Power-to-X

Source: Sterner, M.; Stadler, I. Handbook of Energy Storage: Demand, Technologies, Integration; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2018; ISBN 978-3-662-55503-3

The term “Power-to-X” is now widely used in the energy sector. This concept is less than 20 years old.

The idea of producing fuels from renewable electricity emerged in Germany in the early 2010s. What began as Power-to-Gas (PtG) has since evolved into the broader Power-to-X (PtX) approach.

✅ Key milestones in its development:

📌 2008 – Integrated Energy System Concept:

Coupled electricity and gas with CO₂ sinks;
Introduced Power-to-Gas via electrolyzers producing green hydrogen.

📌 2008 – European Biomass Conference:

Presented integrated electricity-gas-CO₂ systems;
Proposed the Sabatier process for CO₂ methanation instead of the reformer for the better integrability of hydrogen in the natural gas grid.

📌 2009 – Breakthroughs:

Patent application for PtG, first PhD thesis on the topic, and
The PtG plant for CO2 methanation – SolarFuel GmbH.

📌 2013/14 – Shift to Power-to-X:

The concept was expanded beyond gas to include fuels, chemicals, and heat — enabling decarbonization where direct electrification isn’t enough.

🎯 Main Purpose of PtX: To store renewable energy and decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors through fuels, chemicals, and other energy carriers.

➡️ Source: Sterner M., Specht M. “Power-to-Gas and Power-to-X – The History and Results of Developing a New Storage Concept”

Posted By : admin 21 Aug, 2025

Pacific Northwest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Analysis

Low-Carbon Hydrogen Analysis. Federal Initiatives across the Canada and the United States. Canada and United States support initiatives and value chain applicability

Figure: Canada and United States support initiatives and value chain applicability

Source: New report: Pacific Northwest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Analysis

Pacific Northwest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Analysis, published by The Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), provides a comprehensive view of supply, demand and trade opportunities for low-carbon hydrogen between the US and Canada.

✅ Some takeaways

📌 Canada:

has a total of 19 direct or indirect support programs available to accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies and industry across the value chain.
Tax measures such as the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Clean Technology ITC, Clean Technology Manufacturing ITC, and the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) ITC are complemented by funding programs such as the Clean Fuels Fund and Strategic Innovation Fund – Net-Zero Accelerator.

📌 The US:

has a total of 34 direct or indirect federal programs and initiatives across multiple national departments and agencies, which enable the use of hydrogen across the value chain.
The US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates the blending of renewable fuels into the supply of transportation fuels, with an aim at reducing overall GHG emissions from the sector. While the RFS primarily focuses on biofuels, it also includes provisions for hydrogen derived from renewable feedstocks, like biomass, which generates an economic incentive for the transportation sector to include low-carbon hydrogen in its pathways to decarbonization.

➡️ Source: New report: Pacific Northwest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Analysis

Posted By : admin 20 Aug, 2025

African Green Hydrogen Report

African Green Hydrogen Report, published by GIZ, is available via this link.

✅ Some key takeaways

📌 Export Potential:

Several African countries are developing ambitious green hydrogen export strategies aimed at European and Asian markets.
Tunisia, Namibia, Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa aim to have annual exports of more than 20 million tons of green hydrogen equivalent by 2050.

📌 Policy and regulation:

By February 2025, eight African countries – Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa and Tunisia – have adopted hydrogen strategies and/or roadmaps.
Main challenge is a lack of the required comprehensive regulatory frameworks to translate these strategies into action.

📌 Financing projects:

Almost 80% of the public funding for GH2 projects in Africa came from Europe, with Germany accounting for 13% of total funding.
Only a small fraction of announced large-scale African hydrogen projects have reached final investment decisions.

📌 Sustainability considerations:

Electricity and water sustainability are key concerns for green hydrogen projects, particularly in arid regions.
As environmental standards evolve, emerging certification schemes demand strict water use, land access, and emissions compliance.

Posted By : admin 19 Aug, 2025

Roundtable Discussion: Green Hydrogen, Equal Opportunities

I will be joining as a speaker at this important event: 🌍 Roundtable Discussion: Green Hydrogen, Equal Opportunities!

This roundtable organized by the H2-diplo – Decarbonization Diplomacy in close cooperation with the Women’s Energy Club of Ukraine. We will discuss the role of women in shaping the green hydrogen sector and the development of this emerging industry.

I look forward to contributing to the dialogue and hearing diverse perspectives on how Ukraine can leverage hydrogen for both its energy transition and equal opportunities.

🔎The agenda will include an introduction to the green hydrogen sector and recent related research on Ukraine with inputs from different experts. Following this, a special focus will be put on how the development of a new sector can open doors for women and their career growth with women sharing their own experiences. Eventually, all participants are invited to share their perspectives on the potential of the green hydrogen sector in Ukraine and on what is needed to make it long-lasting, inclusive, and sustainable.

📅 28 August 2025
🕚 10:00 – 13:30 EEST (09:00 – 12:30 CEST)
📌 Location: Online

👉 Register now here.

Posted By : admin 16 Aug, 2025

Carbon Dioxide Storage Act

On 6 August, the German Federal Cabinet approved the Draft Law to amend the Carbon Dioxide Storage Act. The law is intended to enable the use of CCS (carbon capture and storage) and CCU (carbon capture and utilization), as well as the transport and storage of CO2.

📄 Draft Law: Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Änderung des Kohlendioxid-Speicherungsgesetzes

The Draft Law was developed over the past few months by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and coordinated with the states, associations, and other ministries.

✅ Key Takeaways:

📌 With this draft law, Germany joins the ranks of countries that aim to use CCS technologies as part of achieving their climate targets.

📌 The law establishes a legal framework for the construction of CO2 pipelines and storage facilities, while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

📌 The main provisions include:

Application of the law to the licensing and operation of CO2 pipelines, the licensing and operation of permanent underground storage facilities, as well as the investigation, monitoring, decommissioning, and aftercare of all facilities and equipment related to CO2 storage and transport.
Authorization of CCS facilities for commercial use on an industrial scale on the continental shelf and in the exclusive economic zone.
Exclusion of marine protected areas and coastal waters from CO2 storage.
An opt-in option for federal states to allow onshore storage on the German mainland.
Recognition of the overriding public interest for the construction, operation, and significant modification of CO2 pipelines and storage facilities.
Exclusion of emissions from coal-fired power generation from access to the CO2 pipeline network.
Introduction of regulations to accelerate procedures and approvals for the development of CO2 infrastructure.

➡️ Source: Bundesregierung ebnet den Weg für CO₂-Speicherung und -Nutzung (CCS und CCU)

Posted By : admin 8 Aug, 2025

New draft laws in the Energy Sector

On 6 August, the German Government launched the following drafts of laws initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy:

✅ Abolition of the gas storage levy

📄 Draft of a Fourth Law Amending the Energy Industry Act – Entwurf eines Vierten Gesetzes zur Änderung des Energiewirtschaftsgesetzes

📌 An important initiative from the coalition agreement and the emergency program.

📌 This Draft Law will provide relief for all end customers.

📌 The relief to all end customers will be in the amount of approximately €3.4 billion:

with a levy of €2.89 per megawatt hour, the relief for a four-person household will amount to approximately €30 to €60 per year.
the relief on gas prices will also contribute to a reduction in electricity costs.

✅ Draft Law to Accelerate the Expansion of Geothermal Plants, Heat Pumps, and Heat Storage Facilities

📄 Draft Law: Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Beschleunigung des Ausbaus von Geothermieanlagen, Wärmepumpen und Wärmespeichern sowie zur Änderung weiterer rechtlicher Rahmenbedingungen für den klimaneutralen Ausbau der Wärmeversorgung

📌 Planning approval procedures for heat pipelines and the construction of large heat pumps will be accelerated.

📌 The approval process for heat storage facilities will be clearly regulated, thereby eliminating uncertainty in practice.

📌 In the future, authorities will be able to require geothermal companies to provide proof of coverage for mining damage as well.

✅ Law Implementing the EU Renewable Energy Directive in the Areas of Offshore Wind Energy and Electricity Grids

📄 Draft Law: Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Umsetzung der EU-Erneuerbaren-Richtlinie in den Bereichen Windenergie auf See und Stromnetze

📌 Introduction of acceleration areas for offshore wind energy and infrastructure areas for transmission grids, distribution grids, and offshore connection lines.

📌 Streamlined approval procedures are to apply to these areas.

📌 The draft transposes the requirements of the RED III in the areas of offshore wind energy and electricity grids into national law.

✅ Act Amending Energy Industry Law to Strengthen Consumer Protection in the Energy Sector and Amending Other Energy Law Provisions (EnWG Amendment 2025)

📄 Draft Law: Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Änderung des Energiewirtschaftsrechts zur Stärkung des Verbraucherschutzes im Energiebereich sowie zur Änderung weiterer energierechtlicher Vorschriften

📌 The Draft Law further increases the level of protection for consumers in the energy sector through obligations of electricity suppliers to household customers to hedge against price risks.

📌 The new regulations on “energy sharing” will enable consumers to actively participate in the energy market and the energy transition.

📌 The Draft Law provides for a further acceleration of the smart meter rollout.

Posted By : admin 6 Aug, 2025

AI & Energy

Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation for Energy

📢 New EU Initiative on AI & Energy

The European Commission has launched the public consultations regarding the initiative “Strategic Roadmap for digitalisation and AI in the energy sector”.

🗓 Feedback period: 05 August 2025 – 05 November 2025

💬 Feedback can be provided here

🎯 Goals of the Strategic Roadmap:

📌 To exploite of synergies with the Affordable Energy Action Plan, the Energy Efficiency Roadmap, the Grids Package, the Citizens Energy Package, the Electrification Action Plan and the Heating and Cooling Strategy.

📌 To complement the upcoming Apply AI Strategy, the Data Union Strategy, and the Cloud and AI Development Act.

📌 To leverage the potential of digital and AI technologies for the energy system, while mitigating the associated risks and enable the decarbonisation and competitiveness of the EU economy.

☑️ What does the initiative aim to achieve?

📌 Accelerate deployment

Enable access to energy data to support innovative services
Help develop and test AI tools for the energy sector
Advance smart grids and digital twins

📌 Boost innovation & research

Close the innovation gap
Strengthen EU technological sovereignty
Support clean energy R&D using AI

📌 Integrate data centers sustainably

Improve planning and energy efficiency
Minimise grid strain and local impact

📌 Enhance transparency & risk oversight

Share best practices for AI in critical infrastructure
Provide guidance on high-risk AI systems
Use AI to improve energy asset security

📌 Create a robust governance framework

Foster collaboration across sectors and Member States
Engage with international partners and stakeholders

✅ What next?

Targeted consultations and workshops
Discussions with Member States and expert groups
A high-level stakeholder event in Q3 2025

➡️ Source: Artificial intelligence and digitalisation for energy – a roadmap

Posted By : admin 4 Aug, 2025

Annual Energy Outlook 2025

Long-term projections: total hydrogen supplied to market, 2023-2050, hydrogen produced via steam methane reforming, 2023-2050

Figure: Long-term projections for supply and production of hydrogen

Source: Annual Energy Outlook 2025

According to the latest Annual Energy Outlook 2025 by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, even when accounting for the IRA incentives prior to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, hydrogen produced from natural gas remains dominated in the long-term outlook.

📊 By 2050, the majority of H2 in the U.S. is projected to be produced from natural gas via steam methane reforming (SMR). Less than 1% is expected to come from electrolyzers, despite supportive policies.

➡️ Full analysis: Natural gas remains the largest source of hydrogen in our long-term projections

Yet, this contrasts with the vision laid out in the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, which foresees a more diverse production mix — including electrolysis, fossil-based hydrogen with CCS, and biomass/waste-derived hydrogen, playing key roles through at least 2050.

The key takeaway: Ambition and reality are still not fully aligned, when it comes to scaling up green hydrogen.

➡️ Source: U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap

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Latest news

✅ Abolition of the gas storage levy

✅ Draft Law to Accelerate the Expansion of Geothermal Plants, Heat Pumps, and Heat Storage Facilities

✅ Law Implementing the EU Renewable Energy Directive in the Areas of Offshore Wind Energy and Electricity Grids

✅ Act Amending Energy Industry Law to Strengthen Consumer Protection in the Energy Sector and Amending Other Energy Law Provisions (EnWG Amendment 2025)