Governments in Europe investing in domestically produced green hydrogen will deliver energy security, plus price stability to consumers, according to Siemens Gamesa.
In a new white paper the turbine manufacturer has claimed that “drastic increase” in the amount of energy production through renewables is necessary to achieve energy security and meet climate goals.
“Unlocking European Energy Security” outlines the energy supply challenges facing Europe since the invasion of Ukraine and the actions needed to bring about stability and energy security while addressing the climate emergency and delivering decarbonisation.
In the years to the EU’s 2050 deadline for climate neutrality, renewable energy and green hydrogen will be of pivotal importance, Siemens Gamesa stated.
Siemens Gamesa global CEO Jochen Eickholt (pictured) said: “The current crisis should not be allowed to push the climate emergency down the agenda.
“It is imperative that the entire renewable energy ecosystem is aligned on the need to reduce the demand for fossil fuels. For green hydrogen to reach scale and, thus, competitiveness, it too needs a seismic shift in the scale and speed of renewables roll-out.”
The white paper has stated this can be achieved by speeding up the process of permitting as well as initiating green hydrogen infrastructure for transportation and distribution, both for domestically produced and imported hydrogen, while developing a stable hydrogen trading market.
It also stated that innovation in storage solutions is needed to ensure continuity and predictability of supply.
Flexible legislation enabling sector coupling to balance electricity demand and green hydrogen production is also advised along with introduction of legislative and regulatory tools to create a market for EU-generated green hydrogen with guaranteed cost comparison against fossil fuel-based imports.
The white paper also stated that production of electrolysers requires industrialising to meet demand in Europe.
Juan Gutierrez, global CEO of Siemens Gamesa’s Service business, said: “Siemens Gamesa calls upon European governments and the relevant industries to work together in coalition to deliver energy security through renewables and green hydrogen, environment security through essential decarbonisation and security of stable pricing of energy to end consumers.
“The terrible events of the invasion of Ukraine have laid bare uncomfortable truths about the vulnerability of each of these elements, but it’s within nation states’ power to address each of these through a united approach to increase renewables installations and the adoption of green hydrogen.”