Sep 27, 2022
The document titled "Thesen zur künftigen Bedeutung von Wasserstoff in der Schweizer Energieversorgung" discusses the future significance of hydrogen in Switzerland's energy supply.
The document titled "Thesen zur künftigen Bedeutung von Wasserstoff in der Schweizer Energieversorgung" discusses the future significance of hydrogen in Switzerland's energy supply. Here's a summary:
Background: Switzerland has set a long-term goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To counteract global warming, fossil fuels must be replaced by renewable alternatives. "Green" hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, will play a crucial role in this transition. It can serve as a flexible energy carrier, making renewable energy usable across all sectors. Hydrogen is expected to be primarily used in sectors that are hard to decarbonize, such as long-distance, heavy, air, and maritime transport, as well as in the industry.
Theses:
Contribution to Net-Zero Goal: Hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in sectors that are particularly hard to decarbonize. By 2045, energy carriers based on renewable electricity will play a more significant role in Switzerland.
Focus on "Green" Hydrogen: Switzerland aims to use "green" hydrogen produced from renewable energy. While the production of hydrogen is currently based on fossil fuels, the goal is to shift towards green hydrogen by 2050.
Production Requires More Renewables: The increasing electrification due to the replacement of fossil fuels in transportation and buildings will raise electricity demand by 2050. More electricity will also be needed for carbon capture and storage (CCS), the production of synthetic fuels, and hydrogen electrolysis.
Usage in Energy Supply: Hydrogen will likely be used mainly in long-distance, heavy, air, and maritime transport, as well as in the industry in Switzerland. Battery-electric vehicles are expected to dominate due to their lower conversion losses and cheaper production.
Use in Heating: Green hydrogen will be used in heating only when there are no renewable alternatives. Direct use of renewable electricity combined with a heat pump is preferred for decentralized heat production.
Seasonal Storage Planning: Green hydrogen can be used to store renewable energy, helping to balance seasonal fluctuations and counteract electricity shortages in the winter months.
The document emphasizes the potential of hydrogen in Switzerland's energy transition and the need for strategic planning and collaboration to harness its benefits.
Read the document in german here: