Climate protection is a task of the century. Messer is helping to solve it: with gases expertise, a clear focus and efficient overall concepts.
A lot of technology is needed for a sustainable, decarbonized economy and society: wind turbines and solar panels, electric cars, smart grids and storage systems - and a green hydrogen economy with large capacities for the production, distribution and use of the gas.
However, sustainability also has an economic side. Only what pays off in the long term can last in the long term. Sometimes there are unexpected effects: in April 2022, for example, green hydrogen was cheaper than gray hydrogen for the first time. The war in Ukraine and Russia's gas policy had driven the price of natural gas to unprecedented heights. As a result, the gray hydrogen obtained from it also became expensive. However, the geopolitically induced price spike was only a short-term blip on the curve.
Setting the political course in Europe
In contrast, the European Union is trying to create the most stable framework conditions possible in the long term. Its Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) is intended to set a long-term strategic course. It was adopted in 2018; when it was revised last year, the targets were formulated even more ambitiously than before. The new version specifies key parameters, explains Andreas Noky, Project Manager for hydrogen filling stations at Messer:
"We now have a clear legal framework, for example for the precise definition of clean hydrogen and for the eligibility of certain systems and technologies. This also relates to the inclusion of greenhouse gas reduction quotas, which are very important for a profitability calculation. Against this background we can make realistic calculations and reliable offers." Messer works together with specialized partner companies and offers solid solutions in three segments.
H2 On-site concept for the production of green hydrogen
A holistic approach is needed to produce green hydrogen economically. The technical processes must be coordinated as closely as possible with the electricity supply and capacity utilization. The first step is to integrate the plant as precisely as possible into the production processes on the supply side. On the opposite side - electricity procurement - cost efficiency can be optimized.
"Electrolysis systems can be operated very flexibly. Unlike steam reforming plants, they achieve their maximum energy efficiency in partial load operation. For example, they can only be operated at full load when green electricity is available in large quantities at low cost. This also helps to stabilize the grids - for which there is then additional remuneration," explains Marco Golbach, the Messer expert for this area. "We support our customers in the technical and economic optimization of plant operation. We also take care of the profitable marketing of surplus hydrogen and the by-products of grid utility, oxygen and thermal energy."
H2 One-Stop Shop for bus companies
The energy transition is not possible without a transport transition. For example, bus fleets are to be gradually converted to operate without fossil fuels. The hydrogen-powered fuel cell is the best option for this. With the H2 One-Stop Shop, Messer and Toyota Tsusho offer bus companies a convenient complete solution. It is precisely implemented by competent partners and bus fleet operators receive everything from a single source: hydrogen-powered buses, financing, hydrogen supply and infrastructure as well as all services required for operation. Payment is made per kilometer driven or per unit of CO₂e emission reduction.
H₂ Refueling Solution
Hydrogen vehicles need filling stations that stock the green gas. Messer has been supplying and refueling one of the largest fleets of industrial trucks for a well-known car manufacturer in the USA since 2004. One of the most extensive fleets of H₂ buses there has also been equipped with technology and supplied with hydrogen by Messer for many years. This expertise is bundled in the "H₂ Refueling Solution". For the installation of large and small H₂ filling stations, Messer works with specialized partners who are among the technology and market leaders in their respective segments.
For more than 125 years, Messer, the today’s world's largest privately owned company for industrial gases, medical gases, specialty gases, and gases for electronics, committed to its guiding principles of safety, focus on customers and employees, responsibility for our society, sustainability, trust, and respect. Messer's Gases for Life and patented gas applications are essential for environmental protection, climate protection, decarbonization, and innovation.
