A keyword search in IEA’s 2021 report “Net Zero by 2050” reveals the following number of matches: hydrogen: 441, solar: 148, wind: 130, nuclear: 83, and battery: 74. This example illustrates the importance hydrogen is given – not only by IEA – to slow down global warming. According to IEA’s net zero scenario, the annual hydrogen consumption will reach some 500 million tons in 2050, its production absorbing approximately 20% of the world’s electricity supply. However, these large numbers trigger important questions, such as: Are there no “all-electric”, i.e., more efficient alternatives? Where will hydrogen be produced in the future? How much more expensive will hydrogen be compared to fossil energy and electricity? Will it be affordable? There are no firm answers to all of these questions, and even hydrogen advocates constantly struggle with contradictions, doubts, and dilemmas. This panel with experts along the hydrogen value chain will try to shed some light on the most burning questions.

Moderator:   Dr. Stefan LINDER, Alpiq AG

Panelists:

• David BOW (Plug Power)
• Adrian HERBERGER (Airbus)
• Dr. Sven SCHUMANN (Siemens Energy Global)
• Prof. Dr. Richard HANKE-RAUSCHENBACH (Leibniz University Hannover)
• Dr. Florian GREMME (RWE)