FAQ

Hydrogen is the lightest and most common element in the universe (abbreviation: H₂). On earth, however, it is only very rarely found in pure form, but mainly. in bound form (e.g.,in water).

Hydrogen was discovered in the 18th century and has since been used in a wide variety of functions (e.g., as coolant, as carrier or propellant gas).

There are several ways to produce hydrogen. Depending on the type of production, the costs, the "hydrogen basis" and thus also the (positive) effects on climate change vary.

Due to its low price, the so-called steam reforming is the most common method: Hydrogen is split off from natural gas with “grey” hydrogen being the result. Advantage: low costs. Disadvantage: This process produces carbon monoxide (CO); furthermore, a fossil fuel serves as the basis for this type of hydrogen production limiting the positive impact of hydrogen.

However, efforts are being made to capture and store the carbon monoxide produced in this way. Although a fossil source still functions as raw material with this CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) method, this production process of “blue” hydrogen is considered climate-neutral due to the lack of pollutants.

The ideal to strive towards to, however, is certainly “green” hydrogen: Energy from renewable sources (sun, wind, water) is used in electrolysis to split a water molecule into its components - namely hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). Since this method does not produce any pollutants over the entire production chain, it is referred to as emission-free hydrogen.

There are several ways to store hydrogen. The ideal type of hydrogen storage depends on its area of application. In the field of mobility, hydrogen is now stored in gaseous form in pressure storage tanks: in cars the pressure is 700 bar, in buses - where there is enough space for tanks - mostly 350 bar.

A few years ago, experiments were also carried out with liquefied hydrogen in mobility. Advantage: Liquid hydrogen has a high energy density. Disadvantage: To liquefy H₂, it must be cooled to -253 ° C resulting in a correspondingly large energy requirement.

In recent years, another storage technology has also been developed, namely metal-hydride storage: Here, the hydrogen molecules are anchor themselves on metals under very low pressure. The disadvantage of this storage method is its high weight, which limits this type of storage to stationary applications.

Hydrogen technology offers answers to some of the most important questions of our time.

Hydrogen can be produced, stored and used locally and everywhere in a decentralized way; this reduces fuel imports and at the same time generates local added value. If "green" electricity is used for hydrogen production when supply exceeds demand (e.g. night electricity), the renewable energy system also becomes more efficient.

In addition, qualified jobs are created: There are many market niches that companies and craftsmen can conquer through innovation and a pioneering spirit.

The population in general benefits from the use of hydrogen in mobility, as it reduces both pollutant and CO₂ emissions. This increases health, the quality of life, combats climate change and also reduces noise pollution.

Both battery and hydrogen vehicles are two sides of the same coin, i.e., electromobility, as both types of vehicles have an electric motor. Both forms offer different advantages and disadvantages, but only both forms together can meet all (zero emission) mobility requirements. The final choice is made by the customer - depending on their needs.

While hydrogen vehicles offer a longer range (400 - 500 km) and quick refuelling (3-4 minutes), battery vehicles score with lower operating costs and lower energy consumption.

Battery-powered vehicles tend to be more suitable for short distances and urban use, while hydrogen vehicles can also cover long, interurban, and mountainous distances.

There is also a new approach of combining the best of both technologies, i.e., including a fuel cell as range-extender in battery electric vehicles.