The steel producer ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe, the Norwegian energy company Equinor and the natural gas transmission system operator Open Grid Europe have started a joint feasibility study.
This will test ways for the decarbonised production of “blue” hydrogen based on natural gas as well as the supply of the largest German steel plant in Duisburg with this hydrogen.
The study’s starting point is the production of hydrogen from natural gas and the permanent offshore storage of the resulting carbon dioxide, possibly in the context of Equinor’s storage project “Northern Lights” on the Norwegian shelf. The study examines several options for the production and transport of hydrogen to the thyssenkrupp site as well as options for the transport and storage of carbon dioxide. Open Grid Europe will contribute its knowledge about the forwarding and transport of gases to the study.
“We see hydrogen as the key to a climate-friendly future. We therefore also welcome the Federal Government’s intention to launch a nationwide hydrogen strategy. Arnd Köfler, member of the Executive Board and production manager of thyssenkrupp Steel Europe. “In the long term, our goal is to increase the use of hydrogen from renewable sources.”
Equinor is aware of the importance of hydrogen for the transition to a low-carbon society. “New markets and new technologies are emerging. We want to capitalize on these opportunities, “said Stephen Bull, Senior Vice President of Wind and Low Carbon Solutions, Equinor. “We are exploring various new business ideas that focus on reforming natural gas into hydrogen and carbon capture and storage under the seabed. In this way, we can help our customers in the energy, industry, transport and heat sectors to achieve their climate goals. ”
“Hydrogen is a real opportunity to achieve climate neutrality! To capitalize on this potential, we must actively develop hydrogen technology and transform it into commercially viable business models along the entire value chain. Politicians should promote this with a modern regulatory and regulatory framework that pays attention to climate protection goals. ” Jörg Bergmann, spokesman for the management of OGE.
ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe is examining possible ways to ensure sufficient hydrogen supply for the conversion of steel production and to achieve thyssenkrupp’s goal of becoming a climate-neutral company by 2050. The company is currently pursuing two technological approaches: firstly to avoid carbon dioxide emissions by blowing hydrogen instead of coal dust into its blast furnaces and using hydrogen to produce sponge iron. On the other hand Carbon2Chem: This is a process for the separation and further processing of dome gases into sustainable chemicals. The process is based on the technological expertise of ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions in the area of ​​alkaline water electrolysis and downstream process steps.
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