NZTC report sets out plan for green hydrogen export between Scotland and Germany

The ‘Enabling Green Hydrogen Exports: Matching Scottish Production to German Demand’ report analyses Scottish hydrogen production and German demand creating matching scenarios for hydrogen export and consumption, exploring multi-sector end use, the technologies, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks required to enable a safe and effective distribution of hydrogen.

The report indicates prospective Scottish hydrogen exports could potentially satisfy 22 percent to 100 percent of Germany’s hydrogen import volume by 2045.

Two critical developmental stages are identified in the report. The first stage looks at the short term, up to 2030, and encompasses early production and end-use activities preceding the installation of hydrogen pipelines to export 35 TWh of hydrogen. The second stage looks at a period of 2030-2045 and involves the commissioning and ramp-up of pipeline infrastructure to facilitate enhanced distribution at a low cost to export 94TWh of hydrogen.

To address challenges and capitalise on opportunities the report identifies actions including the need for conducting comprehensive research, prioritising infrastructure investments, strengthening energy partnerships, monitoring market dynamics, and reassessing export targets to align with evolving demand trends.

“Whilst the potential for hydrogen production in Scotland is well understood alongside the scale of predicted demand in Germany, there is a lack of tangible strategies connecting supply and demand and its evolution from present day to 2045, when both countries aim to achieve Net Zero carbon emission targets” said Ana Almeida, Senior Project Engineer, NZTC. “The scenarios outlined in this report illustrate pathways to maximise the opportunity of international hydrogen distribution. Developing the report in collaboration with Cruh21 also ensured the barriers and benefits for both countries were fully considered.”

This latest report, which focuses on the off-taker potential and on cross-border distribution of the volumes of hydrogen available, complements NZTC’s Hydrogen Backbone Link report which evaluates transport infrastructure and specifically the reuse vs new build of a dedicated hydrogen pipeline.

For additional information:

Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC)