In a significant boost to Germany’s green energy infrastructure, the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Dr. Robert Habeck, together with Dr. Markus Wittmann, Ministerial Director of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, has officially awarded a €72.5 million grant to Hydrogenious LOHC Infra Bavaria. This subsidiary of Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies is set to develop a pioneering Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) hub in Southern Bavaria by 2028.
Dubbed the Green Hydrogen @ Blue Danube project, this initiative is recognized by the European Commission as an Important Project of Common European Interest. It aims to fortify the hydrogen supply chain for Central Europe’s industrial sectors. The project will release up to 1,800 tons of green hydrogen annually, significantly supporting local industries along the Danube region and enhancing the resilience of the European energy system.
This innovative project will utilize LOHC technology to safely transport hydrogen using existing liquid fuel infrastructure to Southern Germany, where it will also be available for pipeline injection into networks like HyPipe Bavaria. These networks are set to connect further with the German Hydrogen Core Network and the European Hydrogen Backbone, reinforcing the energy supply’s robustness across the continent.
Hydrogenious’ technology involves bonding hydrogen to a thermally stable, hardly flammable oil called benzyltoluene through a process known as hydrogenation. This method allows for the safe and efficient transport of hydrogen in large quantities using conventional modes such as trucks, trains, and tankers without any hydrogen loss. Once at the destination, the hydrogen is extracted through dehydrogenation, ready for use in high purity across various applications including industrial processes, power generation, and mobility. Remarkably, the carrier oil remains intact and reusable after hydrogen release, presenting an efficient cycle for hydrogen transport and storage.
This project not only marks a strategic step towards decarbonizing Germany’s industrial sectors but also sets a standard for sustainable hydrogen logistics in Europe.
