Windturbinen, Sonnenkollektoren und Wasserstofftanks - 3D-Illustration eines Konzepts für erneuerbare Energie
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2024-01-15 short info

VDE Whitepaper on the Hydrogen Economy

In a rapidly changing global landscape, the effects of climate change and geopolitical events are driving an accelerated shift away from fossil fuels. Hydrogen can be a key element in reshaping the energy transition in the European energy landscape. 

The VDE White Paper on the Hydrogen Economy 2023 summarizes the main topics of the presentations at the Innovation Stage, the discussions at the High-Level Panel and the key points from the Germany-wide lead workshops of the VDE FINANCIAL DIALOGUE 2023.

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Sabine Behrmann

Accelerating the energy transition: The role of hydrogen in Europe

The newly released VDE Whitepaper describes the acceleration toward a climate-neutral energy supply, and how this can be facilitated by considering hydrogen as the crucial bridge between fluctuation CO2-free electricity generation and the demand for energy across all carriers. Hydrogen complements short-term storage via batteries and is becoming the missing piece in the energy transition puzzle.

Key points discussed include:

  • Market development – how has the hydrogen world changed since 2022?
  • Climate change and geopolitics are driving the energy transition
  • Hydrogen from the perspective of the financial world

The global growth and market potential for hydrogen technologies are evident, with Europe poised to become a lead market. However, China currently leads in electrolysis, a key technology for green hydrogen production. To regain leadership, Europe must take ambitious political and entrepreneurial actions.

Private and institutional investors play a vital role in financing the energy system transformation. Unlike fossil fuels, wind and solar energy involve minor operating costs, emphasizing the strategic importance of managing risks associated with financing a climate-neutral energy system.

Reducing bureaucracy and regulatory hurdles is crucial for market ramp-up in Europe. New approaches and instruments are needed to assess and reduce risks in the financial sector, ensuring successful business models, particularly for SMEs and municipalities.

Solar and wind energy potential in Europe, combined with political stability, offers a promising basis for energy sovereignty. The ongoing conversion of the natural gas network to hydrogen in Europe provides a unique advantage in global competition.

Decentralized energy systems linking various sectors offer efficiency, cost benefits, and regional value creation. Governments and companies should focus on restructuring the energy industry to compete globally. Simple, implementable regulatory guidelines for a hydrogen market based on renewable energies are crucial for swift investment decisions and implementation. Success stories showcasing hydrogen's role will bolster confidence in financial institutions, influence political decisions, and gain societal support for sustainable energy carriers.

By navigating these key points, this Whitepaper allows readers to grasp the significance of hydrogen in the energy transition, offering valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and businesses. Stay informed about the latest developments and trends shaping Europe's journey towards a resilient, climate-neutral energy system.

Download your copy by following this link:

VDE Whitepaper on the Hydrogen Economy

Windturbinen, Sonnenkollektoren und Wasserstofftanks - 3D-Illustration eines Konzepts für erneuerbare Energie
peterschreiber.media / stock.adobe.com
2024-01-15 Webcontent

The VDE Whitepaper on the Hydrogen Economy produced after the High Level Panel on the 7th December 2023 summarizes the results of the Germany wide lead workshops, the Innovation Stage presentations by industry experts held on the 6th December and the panel discussions, and serves as an aid to take action and a source of inspiration for all stakeholders in the industry.

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VDE Financial Dialogue Hydrogen 2023

VDE
2023-12-13 event

The VDE FINANCIAL DIALOGUE HYDROGEN 2023 was held in conjunction with the HYDROGEN DIALOGUE Summit & Expo on December 6 and 7, 2023, and offered an exciting program.

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New VDE white paper: Making Europe the lead market for the hydrogen economy

Neuer Inhalt (1)

The new VDE white paper was also presented on the fringes of the World Economic Forum in Davos. From left to right: Erik Schäfer, family investor, Rudolf Hilti, President The System Change Foundation, VDE President Alf Henryk Wulf, Frederic Hoffmann, Co-Founder Racine Production SA, Burkhard Holder, VDE, Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Director International Fraunhofer-InstituteSolar Energy Systems

| VDE
2024-01-16 press release

Following the first edition from 2022, the VDE Group is now publishing its second white paper on the hydrogen economy. To attract the attention of investors, the white paper has now been presented in Liechtenstein and at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The authors recommend driving forward European solutions for greater energy sovereignty.

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