The copper industry is one of the most energy-intensive industries in Germany. It is now aiming to convert its production processes to green hydrogen. However, this poses considerable challenges, as copper producer KME Germany and the copper association have identified on the basis of various studies.
The switch to climate-friendly hydrogen is not easily feasible in the copper industry, according to the association in a press release. First of all, production facilities and processes need to be converted in order to use hydrogen efficiently and safely. However, this is often associated with “considerable investment costs, which represent a financial hurdle for many companies”, says Frank Otten, Head Corporate EHSQ Management at KME Germany GmbH Osnabrück.
It is therefore always important to check to what extent such an investment makes sense. At temperatures of 300-500 degrees Celsius, as required for heat treatment, electrification is certainly possible, says Otten. “But in the melting process, we need higher temperatures, so other solutions are needed.”
Expansion of the supply network necessary
Another crucial point is the hydrogen supply situation. Many copper processing companies are not or not yet included in the hydrogen core network. This means that these companies need additional solutions for the logistics and transportation of hydrogen in order to deliver the gas to the plants. Although methods such as truck transportation are conceivable, they make no economic sense.
Companies in the copper industry are therefore looking into their own ways of securing a sustainable hydrogen supply. In September 2023, for example, KME entered into a hydrogen partnership with regional cooperation partners. Among other things, the partners are planning an electrolysis plant with a hydrogen pipeline network and the construction of hydrogen filling stations. “The investment is worthwhile for us because we benefit from the project on several levels,” says Otten about KME's motivations.
Hydrogen compatibility test
The material compatibility of the gas infrastructure is essential for the implementation of the national hydrogen strategy. This includes not only the construction of new plants, but also the conversion of existing plants in the field of gas production, storage, transportation and combustion. In order to investigate the influence of hydrogen on copper materials, the Düsseldorf-based copper association has developed an extensive test program in cooperation with the Ruhr University Bochum, which was carried out on various copper alloys.
However, for the development of a green hydrogen economy, even under changing environmental conditions, suitable economic and legal framework conditions are just as essential as a reliable supply of the energy-intensive industries with the energy source. In addition, the German hydrogen supply must remain financially viable in the face of international competition. However, the copper industry is “definitely” ready for the energy transformation.
