Imagine a week packed with insights, discussions, and hands-on experiences focused on the future of green energy and sustainable technologies. From September 24 to 30, 2023, the International PtX Hub hosted a study tour in Germany, bringing together a diverse group of participants from ministries, public institutions, research organisations and the private sector. The week-long excursion enabled experts from Colombia and Jordan to explore the cutting-edge developments in the Power-to-X field, with a specific focus on applications in the industry sector.
Kick-off workshop and introduction to PtX
The journey commenced with a kick-off workshop in Frankfurt, Germany. Heino von Meyer, Senior Advisor at the International PtX Hub, extended a warm welcome to the delegates from Colombia and Jordan. He introduced the concept of PtX before turning the spotlight on the country representatives. Katherine Orozco (Ecopetrol) and Juan Manuel Salazar Gómez (International PtX Hub Colombia) presented Colombia’s endeavours to achieve net-zero emissions in the transport and industry sectors. On the other hand, Rasha Hudeeb (Jordanian Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources), Abdallah Alnahas (National Electric Power Company), and Nooraldeen Balah (International PtX Hub Jordan) outlined Jordan’s Green Hydrogen Strategy.
Eng. Amaal Khatatbeh from the Energy and Mineral Regulatory Commission emphasised that
“Legislation is the catalyst for any technology; in the case of green hydrogen, the proper regulatory framework will lead the development of the sector.”
After the workshop, the group visited the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), led by Professor Roland Dittmeyer, Project Director of Energy Lab 2.0. The cooperative project Energy Lab 2.0, boasting Europe’s largest infrastructure for renewable energy research, showcases various electrolysers, carbon capture technology, and container plants for methanation and Power-to-Liquid synthesis. This visit emphasised the importance of research in advancing PtX applications, storage and distribution.
Thyssenkrupp: laying the groundwork for green innovations
Christopher Frank, Head of Strategic Business Development & Key Account Management Africa & Asia, welcomed the participants at thyssenkrupp headquarters in Essen, Germany. Christopher presented thyssenkrupp’s Uhde chemical portfolio with a special focus on green methanol and green ammonia. The company’s plans to construct a direct reduced iron (DRI) green steel plant, capable of producing 2.5 million tons of steel annually, garnered significant attention.
Paul Dainora, Head of Business Development of Green Hydrogen, highlighted thyssenkrupp’s scalable electrolyser solutions, now consolidated under the subsidiary thyssenkrupp nucera. Nucera, a market leader in chlorine alkali electrolysis, offers modular systems that can be easily shipped as containers, exemplifying the flexibility of electrolyser technology.
The day continued with a visit to the Carbon2Chem research facility led by Markus Oles, Head of Carbon Capture and Utilisation programme. This facility demonstrates the use of steel mill top gases, containing CO and CO2, for green hydrogen and PtX production. The concept is to replace current fossil feedstock in the chemical industry with these cleaned gases, reducing carbon emissions. Having operated for five years, the research facility has proven the viability of the process, moving closer to commercial implementation.
Hydrogen Expo Bremen 2023: hands-on insights
The heart of the tour lay in the participation at the Hydrogen Technology Expo Bremen 2023. Participants engaged with various companies and stakeholders, including Siemens Energy, H2 Core Systems, ENERTRAG, and the German Association for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (DWV). These meetings provided invaluable insights into available technologies and practical applications in ongoing projects globally, further fuelling enthusiasm for PtX solutions.
Hamburg – pioneering green hydrogen in steel production
The tour concluded with a visit to the ArcelorMittal plant in Hamburg, where participants learned about potentials of green steel production. The plant utilises an electric arc furnace for direct reduced iron (DRI) production, a single case in Europe, currently running with natural gas. ArcelorMittal Europe is committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Hamburg plant envisages to build an additional DRI plant powered by green hydrogen, contributing to these ambitious climate goals.
In the afternoon, a boat tour through Hamburg’s bustling industrial port was arranged, with representatives from the Hydrogen Division of the Hamburg Ministry of Economics and Innovation and the Hamburg Port Authority’s Sustainability Department. They outlined Hamburg’s Green Hydrogen Strategy, including plans for import terminals and a 100 MW electrolyser to provide hydrogen among local industries.
A journey of connection, knowledge, and collaboration
Jorge Escalante, innovation manager of International Gas Transportation (TGI) pointed out
“I arrive in Colombia thinking about the challenges we have. From Grupo de Energía de Bogotá and TGI we are going to continue advancing in the structuring of H2 export projects; ammonia or methanol and synthetic fuels to be able to reach 2030.”
This transformative PtX study tour was marked by knowledge exchange, networking, and technological insights. It facilitated cross-border collaboration, allowing delegates from Colombia and Jordan to explore shared challenges and opportunities. Participants also welcomed the in-depth exchange with actors from their own country and developed ideas for joint projects and cooperation approaches. Further, the tour highlighted the role of research, innovation, and green technologies in realising a sustainable future.
Dr. Hani Muhsen from the German Jordanian University emphasized
“After the trip, I am aware of the potential for new industries in the Jordanian domestic market. Overcoming the challenges associated with producing green hydrogen can pave the way for innovative ventures and sustainable growth.”
Organised by the International PtX Hub, this journey through Germany demonstrated the global commitment to PtX technology as a catalyst for transforming industries and economies towards carbon neutrality. The delegates returned home with a wealth of knowledge and a shared vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future powered by PtX solutions.
