Vienna/Munich (dpa/lby) – In order to supply Bavaria with hydrogen, Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger relies in particular on deliveries via natural gas pipelines from North Africa and Italy. “The delivery of larger quantities of hydrogen is particularly promising via the North Africa-Italy-Bavaria route via existing natural gas pipelines, as these only have to be adjusted in certain areas,” said the Free Voter boss on Friday on the sidelines of his trip to Italy and Austria German Press Agency in Munich.
Aiwanger reported that the “quasi-state Austrian energy company Verbund” is planning large production plants for green hydrogen from wind power and sun in North Africa, which is then to be fed into the said pipeline network.
Now, in the next step, it is important to clarify generation and consumption, emphasized Aiwanger. To do this, he wants to convene groups with potential buyers of hydrogen in Bavaria, such as the chemical industry or refineries, so that they can report their needs.
In addition, however, further talks with Italy, Austria, the federal government, the EU and the gas network operators are necessary in order to clarify legal and technical issues. “We now have to get everything on the chain, from the producer of hydrogen to the consumer in Bavaria. This delivery route from North Africa is almost complete and only has to be set in motion in the next few years,” said Aiwanger. The other routes would also have to be pursued in parallel, especially those from Scotland and Norway and, in the future, from Southeast Europe.
“At the same time, we are already starting production in Bavaria and are launching an electrolyser program with the aim of producing and consuming hydrogen in every district,” said Aiwanger. He would therefore like to see even more commitment from domestic car and vehicle manufacturers to the market launch of hydrogen-based models.