According to current scientific knowledge, the generation of hydrogen by means of electrolysis in the power-to-hydrogen process (PtH2) is an elementary component of sector coupling and essential for a successful energy transition. Recently, questions about suitable locations for the construction of PtH2 plants have been increasing in industry and science. The optimal location depends on a large number of location-dependent influencing factors that need to be taken into account. A suitable methodology that shows the potential of locations for the construction of PtH2 plants for hydrogen production and can be applied nationwide in Germany does not yet exist. The overarching goal of the PoWerD project described here is therefore the creation and publication (open access) of a potential atlas in which optimal locations for PtH2 systems in Germany are shown in a spatially resolved manner.
For this purpose, potentials for the use of the resulting hydrogen and the additional by-products oxygen and heat are first identified. One focus is on the use of hydrogen in industry and mobility as well as the co-products in sewage treatment plants and heating networks, since both are available nationwide in Germany. A potential for the construction of PtH2 systems can also result from the need for additional, flexible loads in electricity transmission networks, which is why there is another focus of the potential survey.
On the basis of the potentials collected, the data will be evaluated using a new potential analysis tool that is yet to be developed. In doing so, spatially resolved potentials for the construction of electrolysis plants are to be identified and evaluated, which are then published in a two-stage process in the form of a potential atlas on a project homepage.
This atlas of potential contains representations in the form of maps that show the potential for the construction of PtH2 plants in Germany in different scenarios / business models. These maps can then be used by companies (e.g. future PtH2 plant operators and installers) to identify suitable plant locations. The potential atlas is published freely accessible on the Internet (Open Access) and is intended to accelerate the expansion of electrolysis technology (power-to-hydrogen).