Press release of the German Advisory Council on the Environment: Hydrogen - class instead of mass

German Advisory Council on the Environment, Berlin

PRESS RELEASE (in german)

Hydrogen: class instead of mass

Berlin 23.06.2021. Hydrogen can play an important role in climate protection, but will remain a scarce and precious energy source. In its statement published today, the Environmental Council recommends focusing all efforts on the market ramp-up of green hydrogen from wind and sun. Politicians should not rely on fossil-generated hydrogen, even for a transitional period.

In the opinion of the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU), there is a risk of setting the wrong course: There are currently discussions about investing massively in hydrogen from fossil fuels. However, its production causes significant greenhouse gas emissions - even if hydrogen is produced from natural gas in combination with CO2 capture and storage (CCS). There are also environmental and health risks associated with CO2 storage. "This would mean investing in technologies and infrastructure that no longer have a place in a greenhouse gas-free and environmentally friendly economy," says Prof. Claudia Kemfert. "Instead of expensive bridging technologies, we need investments in the future."

A second undesirable development is looming in the use of hydrogen: not everywhere where green hydrogen and synthetic energy sources could be used is economically and ecologically sensible. If green electricity can be used directly - such as by electric cars in road traffic or heat pumps in the heating supply - this is generally cheaper and more environmentally friendly. It makes sense to use hydrogen in parts of industry and in international shipping and air traffic. According to current knowledge, hydrogen and synthetic energy sources play an important role in achieving climate targets in these areas.

A certification system with demanding sustainability criteria is necessary to ensure that the production of green hydrogen does not exacerbate environmental problems such as land or water scarcity. This applies in particular to imports. Before green hydrogen is imported in large quantities, domestic potential should be exploited. This would first require a massive expansion of wind and solar energy in Germany. "When importing, it must be ensured that no social, ecological or health problems are exacerbated by hydrogen production in the countries of origin," says Prof. Claudia Hornberg. "The high water consumption can have serious consequences, especially in arid regions."

The infrastructures for hydrogen, natural gas and electricity should be planned in an integrated manner. The basis for this must be the climate targets. In the next legislative period, phase-out paths for natural gas and oil should be laid down in order to avoid misinvestments in fossil technologies and to initiate the necessary transformation in all sectors.

For further information, please contact Dr. Julia Hertin, Tel. 030 263696-118.
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The German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) has been advising the German government on environmental policy issues for almost 50 years. The Council's composition of seven professors from various disciplines ensures a scientifically independent and comprehensive assessment, both from a scientific and technical perspective and from a social science perspective.

The current members of the Expert Council are

Prof. Dr. Claudia Hornberg (Chairwoman), Bielefeld University

Prof. Dr. Claudia Kemfert (Deputy Chairwoman), Leuphana University of
Lüneburg and German Institute for Economic Research Berlin

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christina Dornack, TUD Dresden University of Technology

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Köck, University of Leipzig and Helmholtz Centre for
Environmental Research - UFZ

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Lucht, Humboldt University of Berlin and
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Prof. Dr. Josef Settele, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ

Prof. Dr. Annette Elisabeth Töller, FernUniversität in Hagen

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