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NRW sets the course for the development of a hydrogen infrastructure

©Thomas, AdobeStock

©Thomas, AdobeStock

As an important global driver of innovation, NRW is very keen to be at the forefront when it comes to hydrogen. This is because sustainably produced hydrogen makes it possible to decarbonize industries in which large quantities of CO2 are emitted. The expected demand is enormous: in 2050, NRW will need around 243 terawatt hours (TWh). That would be equivalent to about 30 percent of Germany's total demand and is more than can be produced in the state itself. The Ministry of Economics and Climate Action has therefore already begun to develop an import strategy.

"We want to remain an industrial location and become climate-neutral. That is why we must now set the appropriate political and entrepreneurial course," says Economics and Climate Action Minister Mona Neubaur, commenting on the plans. The goal is to establish new, international value chains for hydrogen and downstream products such as ammonia or methanol. Possible partners include Norway, Scotland, Portugal and North Africa.

At a kick-off event on the topic, the leaders of the hydrogen and chemical industries and the state organization NRW.Energy4Climate already discussed future needs and framework conditions, concluding that there is no time to lose, players must be closely connected and the necessary infrastructures established.