Ambitious climate targets can only be achieved with renewable energy in all sectors. In some fields of application, such as the transport sector and industry, Power-to-X or synthetic energy sources offer benefits compared with electricity-based solutions. The World Energy Council Germany will look at the “Opportunities and Risks of Power-to-X in different sectors” at the Energy Transition Forum from 10 am - 12 noon on 6th February 2019.
In the long term, the energy transition in Germany will require major imports of synthetic fuels from abroad produced from renewable energies - what are known as “Power-to-X” (PtX) products. Due to the better conditions for renewable energy which exist in many regions of the world, these can be produced at considerably less expense than here at home and can then be exported. To initiate international cooperation, expectations about the role of PtX must be communicated abroad.
The development of a global market for Power-to-X originating in Germany is an opportunity for industrial policy and in terms of climate policy is a key factor in creating a CO2-free energy system. Demand for synthetic fuels could become very high in the long term. The capacity of hydrogen electrolysis plants required for this purpose may amount to around 3,000 to 6,000 GW worldwide. To date, only around 20 GW of electrolysis plant capacity has been installed.
The World Energy Council has identified promising partnership countries on all continents in its recently published study “International Aspects of a Power-to-X Roadmap” (to the study). Pioneers like Norway implemented the technology at an early stage, and have already developed initial trading relationships. In the medium term, “hidden champions” such as Chile, which already has suitable economic and regulatory framework conditions, are ready to develop PtX projects quickly. Countries such as Australia, Morocco and Saudi Arabia also have sufficient resources to contribute to the diversification of the market.
The pre-condition for an international PtX market is further development of the technology and gradual upscaling, which would make substantial cost reductions possible. This also includes large-scale demonstration projects and trials in real-world conditions and model regions.
This is the fourth time that the World Energy Council Germany will be an E-world partner in Essen and its program will include a presentation of “Best Practices” in various sectors.
For instance, Dr. Arthur Heberle, Deputy Vice President BU New Products & Innovation at Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Europe GmbH will present an overview of the various Power-to-X technologies, ie the various synthetic energy sources and their areas of application. Dr. Thomas Schwarz, Head of Government Affairs at Audi AG, will give an insight into the areas of application and pilot projects in the automobile sector and its use of synthetic fuels.
Startup pitches from innovative business founders will round off the World Energy Council Germany program.
Please click here for the full program of this session as well as the program of the Energy Transition Forum.