Recording of Thursday, May 08, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Exhibition Program | Language: English | Duration: 20:37 .

Thüga Group Leads Hydrogen Transition for German SMEs Amid Rising CO2 Prices and Cost Challenges.

Béatrice, leading Thüga's hydrogen platform, outlines strategies to involve SMEs in Germany’s energy transition. As a key player with over 27,000 employees and extensive distribution networks, Thüga emphasizes the importance of hydrogen for stable future energy amid renewable fluctuations. Projects like H2 Direct demonstrate converting existing infrastructure for hydrogen use effectively while initiatives such as Hydrogen Valley Südbaden support SME transitions towards green hydrogen. Political backing accelerates decentralized production alongside subsidies and imports; however, grid challenges remain crucial—especially ensuring non-electrifiable customers near grids receive solutions during market ramp-up phases given SMEs' economic significance. The transition faces uncertainties regarding political direction and investments; competitive pressures lead companies to adopt cautious approaches rather than decisive actions. Energy suppliers collaborate locally for sustainable regional solutions using tools like High Potentials with Fraunhofer Institute identifying potential demand by postcode across Germany. They engage medium-sized enterprises through commercial chamber formats discussing decarbonization options supported by consulting services tailored via their Total Cost of Ownership model. Despite current high costs (hydrogen at ~200 euros/MWh vs natural gas at ~35 euros/MWh), rising CO2 pricing could shift competitiveness favoring environmentally friendly scenarios despite substantial cost gaps presently benefiting natural gas usage over hydrogen under present conditions influenced by environmental policies and carbon pricing mechanisms.

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Speaker

Béatrice Angleys
Head of Hydrogen Plattform
Thüga AG
Germany

Talk of session: Integrating the RES World: Medium and Small-Scale Green Hydrogen Projects in Action

Medium- and smaller-scale projects are presented, highlighting their agility and flexibility in diverse contexts that often blend mobility, industrial applications, and decentralized energy systems.

Further Talks of this session:

Electrolyzer and Hydrogen Filling Station for Logistics in Eastern Hessen

Speaker

Jörg Wirtz
Senior Project Manager
ABO Energy KGaA
Germany

To Talk

Energy Storage Solutions for the Challenges of our Integrated Energy System - Battery vs. Electrolysis

Speaker

Johannes Brock
Storage & Hydrogen Promoter
GP JOULE GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Getting to Know Axpo's First Green H2 Production Plants

Speaker

Luka Cuderman
Senior Market Expert
Axpo
Germany

To Talk