vgbe energy e.V. represents operators of plants for the energetic use of hydrogen. With the position paper “H2-Ready”*, the association contributes the view of its member companies to the current debate on the definition of H2 readiness in the energy sector.

The paper outlines the technical, economic and regulatory challenges for the energetic use of hydrogen from the point of view of energy plant operators.

vgbe´s positions concerning the thermal use of hydrogen are as follows:

1. A plant is considered H2-ready if it can be operated 100 % with hydrogen during its lifetime – if necessary, with various retrofitting steps.
2. The use of hydrogen is technically possible in gas turbines, engines and industrial boilers as well as in fuel cells. The economic viability of such plants is currently not yet feasible. The economic viability of such plants is currently not yet feasible.
3. For physical and technical reasons, hydrogen combustion is likely to produce higher NOx emissions than natural gas combustion. This circumstance is to be taken into account with applicable regulations for promotion and licensing of these plants.
4. The requirements for materials of the plants concerned have to be transferred and specified in German regulations and any data gaps have to be filled accordingly.