Fraunhofer joint project: HySecunda – H2 contribution to global energy security – green hydrogen production from South Africa

🎯🌍 Summary and goals – Scalable solutions for green hydrogen production

The HySecunda joint project aims to optimize the production, storage, capacity building and certification of green hydrogen (H2). South Africa is in the starting blocks as a potential main supplier of green hydrogen, including for Germany. The current challenge lies in storing and distributing this energy source. Nine Fraunhofer Institutes and the Fraunhofer Academy have joined forces in the HySecunda project to develop solutions for the production, storage and certification of green hydrogen. In addition, the consortium supports capacity building in South Africa and projects on hydrogen-based fuels for aviation.

🌞🤝 South Africa's potential and international cooperation

With an abundance of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, South Africa has the potential to become a major producer of clean and sustainable hydrogen, which could be of great interest to both Germany and Europe. The country could play a key role if it succeeds in developing the infrastructure for storing and distributing hydrogen and reducing production costs.

💡🔬 Subject matter expertise and research focus

The HySecunda project, in which various Fraunhofer institutes are involved, focuses on the development of practical and scalable solutions for the production of green hydrogen in South Africa over a period of three years. These institutes offer expertise in the areas of microstructure of materials and systems, energy economics and systems technology, energy infrastructures, geothermal energy, ceramics, silicate research, coating technologies, wind energy, systems and innovation research and solar energy. In addition, an educational concept is being implemented that is specifically tailored to the needs of the 16 states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

🛡️🌱 Certification and market preparation

A main focus of the project is also on the development of market and system-compliant solutions for the certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Energy system analyzes and economic feasibility studies help to identify risks and necessary framework conditions at an early stage, which represents an important basis for successful commercialization and subsequent import to Germany and Europe.

🌐✨ Global context and sustainability

In order to take a comprehensive look at the HySecunda project, one should also take into account the global context of green hydrogen. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts increasing demand for green hydrogen as part of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate goals. Hydrogen can be used as an energy source in various sectors such as transport, industry and energy production. In particular, hydrogen's ability to store energy over long periods of time and transport it over long distances makes it an important pillar of the energy transition.

🤝🌏 International partnerships and local development

The cooperation between Germany and South Africa in the field of hydrogen is also an example of the growing importance of international partnerships in the energy industry. Through such collaborations, technological transfer, economic development and the fight against climate change can go hand in hand. Such projects also promote the local economy in South Africa by creating jobs and strengthening local skills in the field of renewable energy.

🚀⚙️ Challenges and future paths

Hydrogen technology still faces technical and economic challenges. These include the efficiency of hydrogen production, particularly through electrolysis, the cost of renewable energy and the need to develop a safe and efficient infrastructure for the transport and storage of hydrogen. Projects like HySecunda are crucial to meeting these challenges and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future.

📣 Similar topics

• 💡 German hydrogen future through South Africa
• 🌿 Green hydrogen: challenges and opportunities
• 🤝 Germany-South Africa: Partnership in the hydrogen sector
• 🔋 Optimization of hydrogen storage and distribution
• 🏭 Capacity building for hydrogen production in South Africa
• 📚 Renewable Energy Education Concept in the SADC Region
• ✅ Certification and commercialization of green H2
• 🌐 Global context of hydrogen as an energy source
• ⚡ Use of hydrogen in transport, industry and energy
• 🌱 Local economic support through H2 technologies

#️⃣ Hashtags: #GreenHydrogen #HySecunda #Energy Transition #GermanySouth Africa #RenewableEnergy

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🌟 Main areas of technological innovation

The Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany are known for their pioneering work in applied research and play a crucial role in the development of innovative technologies. In promoting scientific breakthroughs, they focus, among other things, on four main areas in the technological sector that are of great importance to industry and the environment.

🔍Expansion of sensor technology

Firstly, the institutes are dedicated to the development of state-of-the-art sensor technology. Groundbreaking approaches include designing sensors with increased sensitivity that can help detect leaks in tanks and pipelines earlier and more reliably. Likewise, this sensor technology aims to more quickly detect signs of corrosion and material fatigue, which is crucial for maintenance and safety in various industries. For example, using these sensors in the oil and gas industry could prevent environmental damage and increase operational efficiency.

🛡️ Innovation in barrier layers

In the second area, the institutes focus on innovative oxygen and hydrogen barrier layers. Such coatings are essential to the integrity of electrolytic cells as they prevent oxygen and hydrogen from entering adjacent segments. Improved barrier layers not only extend the lifespan of electrolytic cells, but also significantly increase their safety. This is particularly relevant for the energy industry, where electrolytic cells represent a key technology for storing renewable energy in the form of hydrogen.

💰 Cost effectiveness of bipolar plates

The third strategic goal focuses on more cost-effective coatings for bipolar plates (BPP). Bipolar plates are essential elements in fuel cells and electrolyzers. They serve as conductive separating layers that also distribute the reaction gases. Traditionally, these plates are made from expensive materials such as titanium or graphite and are often coated with precious metals such as gold or platinum to increase durability. The Fraunhofer Institutes strive to develop cheaper, yet high-performance coatings that can withstand the high operational requirements of temperature, pressure, electrical voltages and corrosive environments.

🌬️ Improvements to transport layers

Fourth and final optimizations are sought in the development of porous transport layers (PTL). These layers are essential for the supply of reactants such as gases and liquids as well as for the transport of ions within the electrolysis cells. Improving these PTLs can have a dramatic impact on the reaction rate and overall energy conversion efficiency. Greater efficiency means more usable energy is produced for the same input, reducing costs and increasing sustainability.

🌍 Contribution to a sustainable future

The Fraunhofer Institutes are working on key technologies that not only increase the performance and safety of systems, but can also contribute to reducing costs and protecting the environment in the long term. These developments have the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industrial sectors, including energy storage, automotive, plant engineering and the chemical industry. Beyond the efforts for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the innovation work of the Fraunhofer Institutes makes a significant contribution to global efforts to shape a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

📣 Similar topics

• 🌐 Advances in sensor technology: pioneering work by the Fraunhofer Institutes
• 🔋 Barrier layers in electrolysis cells: Innovations Made in Germany
• 💧 Revolution through improved hydrogen technology
• ⚙️ Cost reduction in the production of bipolar plates
• 🚀 New materials for fuel cells: developments from Germany
• 🌿 Fraunhofer Institutes and their contribution to sustainable industry
• 🔬 High-performance coatings: the future of energy efficiency
• 🏭 Increasing efficiency in the chemical industry through advanced sensors
• 🌟 PTLs: Breakthrough for faster energy conversion
•  ⚡ The role of the Fraunhofer Institutes in the global energy transition

#️⃣ Hashtags: #FraunhoferInstitute #Sensor Technology #Energy Conversion #SustainableInnovations #TechnologicalBreakthroughs

🔬🤝 Research and development needs for the energy transition

Energy security is a central concern for Germany and Europe, especially since geopolitical developments in recent years have made clear the importance of an independent and sustainable energy supply. Against this background, research and development projects like HySecunda are not only groundbreaking, but necessary to successfully shape the energy transition and achieve the Paris climate goals.

🏢💪 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft: A central actor

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft plays a key role in the pursuit of energy security in Germany and Europe. As the largest organization for application-oriented research in Europe, it contributes its comprehensive expertise through multidisciplinary projects to develop innovative solutions. The commitment in the strategic research field of hydrogen technologies mentioned by Prof. Mario Ragwitz illustrates this impressively.

💼🌟 The HySecunda project: A shining example

The HySecunda project, which was launched at a kickoff meeting on November 29th and 30th, 2023 in Halle (Saale), is an outstanding example of such initiatives. With a funding volume of around 15 million euros, supported by the 7th Energy Research Program of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the importance that the Federal Government attaches to the topic is demonstrated. The aim is to promote green hydrogen and its derivatives, especially in the SADC region in South Africa, and at the same time to build long-term cooperation.

🤲🏽🔄 Collaboration in the consortium

The partners in the HySecunda consortium, which brings together nine different Fraunhofer institutes, are crucial to realizing the ambitious goals of the project. By combining their unique expertise, it will be possible to develop innovative technologies for the production and use of green hydrogen and synthetic energy sources. According to Dr. Klemens Ilse, group leader for materials diagnostics for H2 technologies at Fraunhofer IMWS and in charge of the project, the project is a crucial step for the market ramp-up of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

🔋♻️ Hydrogen as the energy source of the future

Hydrogen plays a key role in the decarbonization of industry and transport, especially where direct electrification is difficult or not possible. Green hydrogen, obtained through electrolysis using electricity from renewable energies, is particularly in focus because it only releases water when burned and is therefore a clean alternative.

✈️🌿 Promoting green energy in aviation

The HyShiFT project, with which the HySecunda consortium is in partnership, aims to establish the production of green aviation fuel. This project underlines the relevance of green hydrogen also in the aviation sector, an area that urgently needs sustainable solutions due to high fuel requirements and emissions.

🏭📈 Importance for the regional economy and value creation

The importance of such projects for regional economic development should not be underestimated. Long-term collaborations provide the basis for local value creation, improve energy infrastructure and reduce dependencies on coal and imported fossil fuels.

🌍💚 Sustainability and socio-economic development

The Fraunhofer Institutes pursue a holistic approach that takes socio-economic aspects into account in addition to technical development. It's not just about the pure production of hydrogen, but also about developing viable business models that enable economically sustainable implementation.

🔋🌞 Potential of the SADC region for green hydrogen

Green hydrogen can also serve as a storage medium for excess energy from renewable sources, and the SADC region offers ideal conditions here thanks to its high solar and wind energy potential. Conversely, this could mean that Europe could cover part of its energy needs by importing green hydrogen or its derivatives from this region, thereby increasing its energy security.

🌐🔗 Networked energy policy for the future

However, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's commitment to hydrogen technologies is only one aspect of a broader approach to achieving energy security. Renewable energies such as wind power and solar energy play just as important a role as energy efficiency, networking of energy systems and digital technologies for intelligent control of energy supply.

🔍🌱 Research as a drive for innovation and energy independence

All in all, the HySecunda project is a prime example of how research and development, coupled with international collaboration and a clear focus on sustainability and energy independence, can lead to concrete progress and innovative solutions. It shows what opportunities hydrogen technology offers and what role Germany and Europe play in a globalized energy market.

📣 Similar topics

• 🌍 Energy security through innovation: HySecunda project start
• 🔋 The role of the Fraunhofer Society in Europe's energy independence
• 💡 Hydrogen as the key to achieving the Paris climate goals
• 🤝 Promoting green hydrogen: HySecunda in the SADC region
• 🔬 Science meets business: The potential of green hydrogen
• ✈️ HyShiFT: The path to green aviation fuel
• 🌱 Regional growth through hydrogen technology
• 💼 Socio-economic aspects of hydrogen production
• ☀️ Green hydrogen: storage solution for renewable energies
• 🌬️ The holistic approach of the Fraunhofer Institutes for Energy Security

#️⃣ Hashtags: #EnergySecurity #GreenHydrogen #HySecunda #HydrogenTechnology #EnergyIndependence

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