In the recently adopted Climate Protection Program 2030, the Federal Cabinet once again focused more on the heating market. The federal government expects high CO2 savings in particular from replacing heating systems, which it intends to provide financially in the future.
What contribution fuel cell heating can make to a faster heat transition is being discussed by representatives from politics and business at the “Innovation Forum Hydrogen & Fuel Cell” in Frankfurt. The event is organized by the Fuel Cell Initiative.
Energy Consumption
By 2030, the CO2-Emission will be reduced from 119 million tons per year to 72 million tons per year “Politicians are finally focusing on Germany's largest energy consumption sector, the heating market. For the success of the energy turnaround, a heating turnaround is essential, because the sector offers the greatest potential for reducing CO2. These need to be lifted urgently, "said Andreas Lücke, spokesman for the Fuel Cell Initiative (IBZ) and Managing Director of the Federal Association of the German Heating Industry (BDH), during the event.
Around 6 out of 10 heating systems in Germany are outdated and therefore work inefficiently. At the same time, the federal government is defining ambitious goals for the building sector. By 2030, the CO2-Emission will be reduced from 119 million tons per year to 72 million tons per year. "If politicians want to achieve this goal, the modernization quota must be doubled," said Lücke.
Fuel Cells Role In Energy Transition
"With fuel cell heating, a technology is already on the market that ensures a high level of climate protection in both new and existing buildings," explains Dr. Timm Kehler, spokesman for the IBZ and Board Member of the industry initiative Zukunft ERDGAS. As the most efficient type of heat and power generation, the fuel cell plays a key role in the energy transition, which at the same time protects the climate: Compared to an old gas heating system, almost 70 percent CO2 is saved.
In addition, energy costs are reduced by around two thirds. In existing buildings, it offers another decisive advantage: it does not require complex building renovations, only the system costs are incurred.
Increase In Demand
3,405 applications with a funding volume of almost 47 million euros were received - 30 percent more than the previous year More and more households are therefore relying on the key technology. Since the KfW funding program 433 “Fuel Cell Subsidy” began in summer 2016, up to and including September 2019, 8,933 funding applications have been approved, as current figures from the Federal Ministry of Economics show. In the current year, 3,405 applications with a funding volume of almost 47 million euros were received - 30 percent more than in the same period of the previous year.
The manufacturers are therefore expecting a further increase in demand and this year they have already presented two new models which, among other things, enable higher performance and better Internet connections. Another device is to follow at the end of the year. In addition, a new provider entered the market this year.
Game Changer Of Heating Transition
“Due to the increasing variety of products, the high-tech device adapts more and more to individual consumer needs. Regardless of whether it is an existing or a new building, whether it is a single or multi-family house - the future fits into every boiler room,” emphasizes Kehler. Another advantage: while the fuel cell is still producing hydrogen from natural gas today, it can be operated directly with hydrogen from the gas network tomorrow. “The fuel cell heating has the potential to become a game changer of the heating transition. It enables everyone to enter the hydrogen age,” says Kehler.
“The results of the 'Gas 2030' dialogue process clearly highlight the importance of fuel cell technology for the future of the energy system. This thread must now be taken up and continued in the development of the hydrogen strategy planned by the federal government. The industry offers its constructive cooperation for this,” concluded Lücke.