The objective of the ScaleH2 project within the german Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)’s HyGATE funding initiative is the utilization of scalable PEM electrolysis stacks with innovative materials in order to create renewable hydrogen in a cost-efficient manner. The research results are then used to establish a hydrogen-export value chain between the Illawarra region in New South Wales (Australia) and Germany. The main areas of research are the processing of innovative catalyst materials from Australia, the utilization of cost-efficient bipolar plates, the demonstration of scalable coating and stack-assembly processes, the evaluation of geological underground storage facilities, and the techno-economic assessment of an export supply chain. In order to achieve this, partners on both the German and the Australian side are working closely together.
The vision of the project partners: Green hydrogen will be supplied in the form of ammonia to German ports, in particular via the ENERGY HUB Port of Wilhelmshaven. At the port, the ammonia is converted back into hydrogen and transported to industrial customers in the emerging "Hydrogen Valleys"; one of the aims thereby is the decarbonization of the steel plant of the Salzgitter AG, a partner of the Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter. With their research, the scientists want to provide a sustainable contribution towards a reduction in CO2 emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon industry. With this in mind, the Australian energy infrastructure operator ATCO is striving to develop an export supply chain with an electrolysis capacity of 1 gigawatt with subsequent conversion to ammonia.
The project kick-off took place at the Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter, where the first steps of the ScaleH2 project were agreed and coordinated.
