With the hydrogen core network, the federal government is planning a basic framework for the distribution of hydrogen by 2032. According to the CDU, the plans for Baden-Württemberg include integrating the Rhine-Neckar region and the greater Stuttgart area into the hydrogen core network with pipelines. “In large parts of the country, however, supply is not guaranteed.” However, hydrogen plays a crucial role in a sustainable energy future. Hydrogen imports from the south and southwest of Europe must also be connected to the German network, not just from northern and western Europe.
Habeck to avert “serious north-south imbalance”
“If something doesn’t finally happen now, entire regions in the southwest will become hydrogen deserts,” said CDU deputy federal chairman and energy politician Andreas Jung. Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) must avert the “serious north-south imbalance” to the detriment of Baden-Württemberg. “In the current plans, Baden-Württemberg is being left behind. That is completely unacceptable,” criticized CDU leader Manuel Hagel.
According to the paper, Baden-Württemberg accounts for ten percent of the federal area and 20 percent of the industrial value added, but only just over five percent of the pipeline kilometers of the hydrogen core network are to be built in the state.
All-rounder in the fight against climate change?
Hydrogen is considered a kind of all-rounder in the fight against climate change. The odorless and colorless gas can replace the combustion of coal, oil or gas in industry and transport. It is obtained through so-called electrolysis, in which water (H2O) is split into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using electricity. If electricity from renewable energies is used for this, it is referred to as green hydrogen. This can then generate electricity again in a fuel cell. According to a survey by the State Ministry for the Environment, Baden-Württemberg needs significantly more hydrogen than originally assumed so that the state can become climate-neutral by 2040.
