Deutschland-Nederland H2Watt

The use of hydrogen (H2) is considered an important building block to shape the energy transition. Especially in the northern Netherlands and Germany, where more and more renewable energy is being produced, the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is becoming increasingly important. The German-Dutch Interreg project H2Watt provided a platform for the realisation of numerous implementation projects. The focus was on processes and systems for efficient production, storage, transport and use of hydrogen. The project also aimed to prepare the economy on both sides of the border for the new requirements and opportunities arising from the use of hydrogen in all sectors. Activities took place mainly on the islands of Ameland and Borkum. Due to its natural conditions, the Wadden Sea offers optimal conditions for the production of “green” hydrogen, for example using wind and solar power plants and wave and tidal power plants. Another advantage of being located on an island is that the supply system can be considered self-sufficient. For Ameland, an energy concept with an energy management system was developed, a pilot plant for decentralised energy supply with a fuel cell was created and various hydrogen utilisation concepts were worked out. On Borkum, the so-called energy centre was conceptualised, bringing together different components for energy generation and storage. One component of the centre is a dual-pressure hydrogen tank system. Various scenarios for the use of hydrogen were also developed here. In addition, a Green Water Taxi for shipping was realised, which can use hydrogen-based fuels (in this case, methanol). Furthermore, a fuel cell was procured as test infrastructure for SMEs, which was placed in the Maritime Technical Centre of the Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences. In addition, feasibility studies for a passenger ship and a cargo ship in the Wadden Sea were prepared for new construction and conversion. Last but not least, a cross-border competence network on hydrogen and related innovations in the context of high-tech systems and materials was established and the transfer of knowledge in this field was promoted in the context of numerous events and discussions.