CO₂-neutral gases & hydrogen

Relevance

CO₂-neutral gases and hydrogen are becoming increasingly important in industrial sectors and present a viable option for substituting fossil natural gas. Green hydrogen, primarily produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity, plays a significant role in this context. Additionally, the necessary infrastructure can also serve as a flexibility option and for sector coupling.

For providing high-temperature heat in industrial processes where direct electrification is not feasible, CO₂-neutral gases and hydrogen offer a promising solution to replace fossil natural gas.

The chemical industry faces the challenge of transitioning its production routes, currently based on grey (from fossil sources) or blue (from CCUS sources) hydrogen, to green hydrogen. This includes processes like the production of ammonia and methanol.

In Austria, steel production in particular shows great potential for the use of CO₂-neutral gases and hydrogen. For example, a shift to BioCH4 in the conventional blast furnace route or H2 direct reduction would be recommended under suitable economic conditions.

Target group

Focus on the steel, cement, lime, and chemical industries.

Topic focus

Projects in this hub focus on the development, production, and application of hydrogen and CO₂-neutral gases that can serve as alternatives to fossil fuels.

Potential areas of interest:

Integration of production, storage, and utilization of green hydrogen or renewable gases such as biomethane or synthetic methane into existing industrial facilities.
Techno-economic design of hydrogen infrastructures, development of safety concepts, facility approval, implementation, and operation.
Development of comprehensive business cases, transformation scenarios, and project development for infrastructures related to renewable gases.