| |FEBRUARY 20238IN MY OPINIONRudolf ZaunerBy Rudolf Zauner, Head of Hydrogen Programme, VERBUND [VIE: VER]GREEN HYDROGEN - A GAME CHANGER Green hydrogen is one of the keys to unlocking a clean energy future. An analysis of the opportunities for industry and transport, sticking points and current pilot projectsWhether growing food, manufacturing goods or in the mobility sector: almost all processes of our daily life generate CO2. Many of these emissions can be avoided with direct electrification. Others come from sectors with limited possibilities ­ such as industry or heavy goods traffic. How can the decarbonisation of these sectors be a success? A real chance is offered by green hydrogen (H2). One substance for many sectorsGreen hydrogen is a game changer for the energy future. The zero-emission energy source is obtained from water and green electricity, and opens up many areas of application: it can be used as a gas in industrial processes or as a fuel for vehicles. It is therefore mainly suitable for so-called "hard to abate" or "hard to electrify" sectors ­ such as the steel, cement or chemical industries. In the transport sector, green hydrogen can be used additionally to electromobility. This includes long-distance transports, shipping and aviation. The energy source can also be used to store electricity generated from wind or solar power. It increases the flexibility in the energy system and can be transported over long distances. Its properties allow this versatile energy source to be used as one of the keys for achieving Europe's goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The fact is: without green hydrogen, the energy transition is unfeasible. Tried and tested technologies ­ depending on the country ­ only hold out the prospect of decarbonisation ­ or more correctly defossilisation ­ up to a maximum of 60 to 90%. To achieve 100%, new approaches using renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen are needed.Pioneering work in AustriaAt VERBUND, we've spent years working on making green hydrogen fit for the energy future. As the leading generator of electricity from hydropower, we are in a position to produce hydrogen from green electricity. Back in 2017, we installed Austria's first
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