No energy transition without hydrogen
Power-to-X technologies ( P2X ) are considered the favored decarbonisation solution in the energy industry . In 2018 , the German engineering association
( VDMA ) founded the platform Power-to-X for
Applications ( P2X4A ) to address the specific challenges of P2X projects .
By Björn Bofinger , AS-Schneider
About Björn Bofinger
Björn Bofinger has a broad technical knowledge in the areas of instrumentation and double block & bleed valves and their applications . His great passion belongs to the topics of new technologies , innovation , and design thinking .
Without hydrogen and its derivatives , there can be no energy transition . At the same time , mechanical and plant engineering is a crucial industry for climate protection .
Valve manufacturer AS-Schneider is a member of this network and wants to actively shape climate change . Björn Bofinger , hydrogen consultant at AS- Schneider , explains how the VDMA P2X4A network supports mechanical and plant engineering in the topic of P2X applications . The principle of Power-to-X technology is simple : renewable electricity from wind , water or sun as primary energy is converted into an energy carrier . “ In this way , we absorb fluctuations and increase the flexibility of grid management ”, explains Björn Bofinger , who has been part of AS-Schneider for 16 years and is involved in the VDMA network “ Power-to-X for Applications ”. The platform supports mechanical and plant engineering companies in overcoming the challenges of P2X applications . “ Hydrogen plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Germany . At the same time , P2X and hydrogen processing technologies are at an early stage of research . Both scenarios present us with an exciting puzzle that we can help solve together .”
Growing network
The VDMA ’ s central , cross-industry information , communication and cooperation portal serves the entire P2X community . It integrates all relevant stakeholders and key players involved in the value chain . These include developers of production processes , manufacturers of synthetic energy and raw materials that use P2X technologies , and end users . “ The P2X network has now grown to over 60 companies in Germany , Austria and Switzerland . The number is growing , and we are still reaching more engineers in Europe as a result .” The members ’ activities revolve around three goals : to promote a holistic and technology-open approach to the transformation of energy systems , raise public awareness of environmentally sustainable energy use and mobility , and identify new trends and opportunities to further reduce greenhouse gases .
Suitable candidate
Hydrogen has emerged as a suitable candidate for the seasonal storage of renewable energy . It is also one of the cleanest and safest energy carriers available . The simplicity of the molecule and its ability not to burn into CO2 are ideal conditions for P2X under Power-to-Hydrogen ( P2H2 ). In this process , hydrogen is created through electrolysis - water molecules are broken down into oxygen and hydrogen by applying electricity . “ The cost is lower with electrolysis than with other processes . That ’ s why it became the backbone of P2H2 . Research to improve efficiency , reliability , and scalability , however , is still ongoing ”, Bofinger explains .
Storage
The separated hydrogen serves various purposes , for example as fuel for electricity generation or as industrial feedstock . Production is usually ready for immediate use . In the long term , hydrogen must be stored in gaseous or liquid form for further transport . But the energy carrier also has other sought-after properties : it can be converted into methane , synthesis gas or liquid fuels . A great combination to displace fossil fuels in the heat , transport , and industrial sectors . “ Mechanical and plant engineering is a crucial sector for climate protection , which is why we are exploiting its potential . Our goal in the network is to guide manufacturers and users toward efficient and emission-reducing technologies . Supporting the complex “ energy transition ” process is the crowning achievement .”
About AS-Schneider
The family-run company AS-Schneider was founded in 1875 and with approx . 400 employees , is one of the leading manufacturers of Instrumentation and Double Block & Bleed Valves . In the market segment for Large-Bore Diesel Engine Valves such as those used in marine propulsion and the generation of electricity , AS-Schneider is even the world market leader .
14 Valve World September 2022 www . valve-world . net