Blue Hydrogen Has a Role to Play in Decarbonization, thyssenkrupp Says
01/14/2021 - Natural gas can be a viable intermediate source of clean hydrogen for thyssenkrupp Steel Europe's Duisburg mill in Germany, but the German and European Union governments need to put a regulatory framework in place before any investments along those lines can be made, the steelmaker has concluded.
Announcing the results of a study that began in 2019, thyssenkrupp and two industrial partners said they found it is technically feasible to produce and supply decarbonized “blue hydrogen,” hydrogen derived from natural gas, for Germany’s largest steel mill.
“The partners are convinced that blue hydrogen as a reliable and available technology has the potential to ramp up the European hydrogen market,” thyssenkrupp said. “Especially taking into consideration the recent decision by the EU to set more ambitious climate targets for 2030, blue hydrogen can play a significant role going forward as a viable and early source for nearly climate-neutral hydrogen in large quantities and therefore in achieving these goals.”
However, thyssenkrupp said that before it can begin investing in facilities and infrastructure, a policy framework has to be put in place. That framework would include clarifications related to the conversion of pipelines from natural gas to hydrogen.
“It also requires clarification about the transport of hydrogen independent from its production technology. Furthermore, alignment between the Netherlands and Germany on grid development and transport arrangements is required,” it said.
