Hydrogen is an important building block for the energy and mobility transition on the road to climate neutrality. The demand for hydrogen in industry and SMEs exists and is increasing. In order for companies to have an H2 planning perspective as quickly as possible, hydrogen must also be available on a large scale. To this end, Wuppertaler Stadtwerke (WSW) and transmission system operator Thyssengas signed a declaration of intent on May 8, 2024. Together, they want to drive forward the hydrogen ramp-up in Germany. The planned cooperation between WSW and the transmission system operator Thyssengas will enable another region in NRW, the Bergisches Land, to be connected to the emerging H2 pipeline network in the future.
Supply prospects for the regional economy
Dr. Thomas Gößmann, CEO of Thyssengas GmbH, on the planned cooperation with Wuppertaler Stadtwerke: "With WSW, we have gained another strong partner for the H2 ramp-up in Germany. We will bring the hydrogen to the Bergisches Land region with our H2 pipelines and WSW will distribute it in Wuppertal in the next step. In this way, we are creating a long-term, secure supply perspective in the Wuppertal area and, above all, the opportunity for companies to decarbonize their energy-intensive processes." Markus Hilkenbach, CEO of Wuppertaler Stadtwerke, also welcomes the planned cooperation: "Germany has set itself ambitious climate targets. As a pioneer for Wuppertal, it is our mission to actively shape the energy and mobility transition. As a versatile, emission-free energy source, hydrogen can make a key contribution to this. We want to exploit this enormous potential and connect the Bergisches Land region and the city of Wuppertal to the emerging hydrogen pipeline network in NRW together with the long-distance network operator Thyssengas. This will benefit the regional economy in particular. The signing of the letter of intent is a very important first step. Now it's time to concretize the plans."
Hydrogen has a wide range of applications
Hydrogen is a versatile energy source and a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. It therefore plays a key role in the energy and heating transition, as well as in municipal heating planning. In future, climate-friendly hydrogen (H2) and its derivatives ammonia (NH3) or methanol (CH3OH) are to be used primarily where the direct and complete use of electricity from renewable energies is not sufficient or not possible. The demand for hydrogen in industry and small and medium-sized enterprises is high - and is set to grow. The German government is currently planning to build a 9,700-kilometre hydrogen pipeline network by 2032. This hydrogen core network will connect all major production, import and storage centers with the relevant consumers in Germany by 2032.
Possible uses for hydrogen in the region
According to initial plans, the new hydrogen network will run past the northern heights of Wuppertal. This would make it possible to connect and develop a hydrogen network in Wuppertal. There are many possible applications for hydrogen as an energy source: in industry, for heat production, as a fuel for power plants, as hydrogen can be converted into electricity in fuel cells. This technology is used, for example, in combined heat and power plants for decentralized electricity and heat production or for driving electric motors in vehicles such as buses, commercial vehicles or ships. By developing a hydrogen network in Wuppertal, WSW could, among other things, realize and operate additional hydrogen buses. In addition, the Barmen combined heat and power plant and local industry, for example, would also benefit from the supply of the city's own hydrogen.
