Projects built environment

In the built environment, hydrogen can also play a role in the electricity and / or heat demands of houses and buildings. Various technological solutions are eligible for different applications. Fuel cell-based solutions, boilers, CHPs and hydrogen panels can all contribute to the energy supply.

In the first instance, the role of hydrogen in the built environment must be properly mapped out in order to weigh useful options in relation to alternative technologies such as heat pumps, heat networks, solar boilers, solar panels, etc. Major issues are how and where in the future hydrogen can be produced and supplied for the built environment. It seems impossible in the future to electrically heat the entire heritage, given the colossal interventions and investments that would have to be made in our electricity grid.

There will continue to be a need for molecular energy demand, the role that natural gas plays today. First, partially replacing natural gas with (green) hydrogen in the future is an option that is currently being looked at very seriously at European level. Local production (and storage) of hydrogen is also possible.

In contrast to batteries, hydrogen makes it possible to store and use renewable energy in large quantities for a long time when we have wind and sunny periods. It also allows transport of energy on an unparalleled scale and distance via pipelines. In a world of ever-increasing renewable energy, hydrogen can provide flexibility in the energy system.