Hydrogen: Energy carrier for the future

We live in times of change. Crises and challenges determine our everyday lives, and the economy is facing the largest renewal program since the Industrial Revolution: the green transformation of the industry.

Our society and our industry need a sustainable system to replace fossil fuels with their long-term CO₂ emissions. This is the only way we can stop climate change. The solution? Hydrogen.

The most common chemical element in the universe is clean and readily available. Produced using renewable energies, so-called green hydrogen, as a potentially CO₂-free raw material, is gaining importance worldwide.

For us at thyssenkrupp, hydrogen is essential for our own transformation. But we go even further. With our expertise along the entire hydrogen value chain, we support entire industries on the path to climate neutrality.

Emitting a lot brings the possibility for change.

At thyssenkrupp, we emitted 23 million tons of CO₂ in 2019. This constitutes almost three percent of all German greenhouse gas emissions and surpasses the emissions of Berlin during the same period. However, we believe: Those who emit a lot can also achieve a lot!

Guided by our understanding as pioneers of the green transformation, we aim to become climate-neutral ourselves and also aspire to be part of a comprehensive solution for the entire industry. With our leading technologies for CO2 reduction and our expertise throughout the entire hydrogen value chain, we are already making significant contributions to the green transformation of the industry in crucial areas: demand, supply, and infrastructure.

Occurrence – As the most common element in the universe, hydrogen can be obtained from a variety of substances. As the earth is covered by approximately two-thirds of water, hydrogen can be made available in large quantities. Thus, hydrogen has the potential to secure the energy supply for future generations.

Emissions – By gaining hydrogen through electrolysis, no carbon dioxide is produced in the process. If renewable energies are used in the production process as well, the entire process is emission-free. This makes green hydrogen an environmentally friendly energy carrier.

Transport – Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, is comparatively easy to transport. Similar to natural gas, hydrogen can be stored under high pressure or in liquid form and can be transported in tanks or via pipelines. Other storage options are still under development.

How We Generate Green Electricity

For a successful green transformation, the production of renewable electricity is crucial. It forms the basis for the production of green hydrogen. Therefore, it's no surprise that the share of renewable energy is increasing and is being promoted nationally and internationally.

In Germany, wind energy has become the most important renewable source of electricity. However, for wind turbines to generate electricity, thyssenkrupp rothe erde slewing bearings are required. They are used, onshore and offshore, in wind turbines from almost all renowned manufacturers. Slewing bearings are the key component for converting wind power into electrical energy.

With our slewing bearings, slewing drives, and rings from thyssenkrupp rothe erde®, which are also used in solar and wind energy systems, we are driving forward the green transformation and laying the foundation for a successful energy transition..

How We Produce Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is indispensable for the energy transition. It is produced through water electrolysis while using green electricity. During this process, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy. The hydrogen can be stored as an energy source and converted back into electricity when needed. This is particularly useful when additional power is required, as the hydrogen can be easily transformed back into electricity. We at thyssenkrupp nucera offer cutting-edge technologies for CO₂-neutral green hydrogen production on a gigawatt scale, making us one of the leading providers worldwide.

How We Transport Green Hydrogen

To produce green hydrogen, countries with abundant wind and sunlight are particularly suitable, as green electricity can be produced cost-effectively there. However, this means that large quantities of hydrogen need to be transported over long distances. To harness the climate-friendly effect of green hydrogen, an efficient and sustainable alternative is needed. Here comes green ammonia into play. Ammonia is an ideal carrier of hydrogen and energy.

It is easy, safe, and inexpensive to transport because ammonia can be easily liquefied, making it easier to transport. Currently, ammonia is the second most traded chemical in the world. Ports, ships, and tank facilities—the infrastructure is in place.

With our innovative ammonia and ammonia-cracking plants from thyssenkrupp Uhde, we enable global hydrogen transport efficiently and with low emissions.

Wie wir grünen Wasserstoff transportieren

How We Use Green Hydrogen

By 2045, steel production along the Rhine will be climate neutral. Hydrogen will replace coal as a reducing agent in pig iron production. This is made possible by so-called direct reduction plants. The first direct reduction plant with innovative smelters will be built by 2026 on the premises of thyssenkrupp Steel near the South Harbor between Alt-Walsum and Fahrn. This marks the beginning of one of the world's largest industrial decarbonization projects, capable of avoiding over 3.5 million tons of CO₂ annually upon completion.

With the use of hydrogen in thyssenkrupp Steel's direct reduction plant, climate-neutral steel can be produced in Duisburg in the future.

Jobs in the field of hydrogen

Sustainable? Naturally! As both producer and consumer of green hydrogen, sustainability plays a significant role at thyssenkrupp. We are committed to contribute to building a green hydrogen economy and to provide conditions for climate-neutral steel production to enable a climate-neutral future.

You are keen on playing a crucial role in shaping the future at thyssenkrupp? Then take a look at our job board!

Check out our jobs in the field of hydrogen

Jobs in the field of hydrogen

You are keen on playing a crucial role in shaping the future at thyssenkrupp? Then take a look at our job board!

Check out our jobs in the field of hydrogen