Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 4:42 .
The session highlights the development and implementation of PV-based hydrogen microgrids globally, funded by the Export Initiative Environmental Protection. Moderated by Dr. Kathrin Ebner from Munich RE, it includes a series of talks followed by a panel discussion focused on the concept of renewable energy microgrids. Microgrids are defined as localized, independent energy systems capable of matching electricity generation with load demand through renewable sources. While direct electrification is ideal, energy storage solutions like hydrogen are necessary due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy supply. Hydrogen is generated via electrolysis from excess electricity and water, allowing it to serve as a long-term storage solution. This stored hydrogen can be converted back into electricity through fuel cells when solar generation decreases. The session will examine various projects, addressing technical challenges and socioeconomic considerations relevant to the integration of hydrogen in energy storage solutions.
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Speaker
Dr. Kathrin Ebner
Tech Lead Hydrogen and E-Mobility
Munich RE
Germany
Discover how green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are transforming decentralized energy systems worldwide. This session will be presenting hands-on experience from pioneering projects in Thailand, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa. Find out how solar-powered hydrogen microgrids can replace diesel generators, strengthen energy resilience and enable short- to long-term storage, while supporting environmental and climate goals. Project partners including German SMEs and research institutes, share insights on lessons learned, local benefits and the replication potential of these systems. Selected projects were implemented with the support from the Export Initiative Environmental Protection, a funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.
Further Talks of this session:
Speaker
Tom Mikus
Programme Manager International Energy Concepts
NOW GmbH / National Organisation for Sustainable Mobility
Germany
Speaker
Dr. Mario Lindner
Research Assistent - Transfer and Use of Hydrogen Systems
Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU
Germany
Speaker
Dr. -Ing. Jonas Pluschke
Research associate
Hochschule Bochum - Sustainable Technologies Laboratory
Germany
Speaker
Dr. Philipp Blechinger
Head of Unit Off-Grid Systems
Reiner Lemoine Institut gGmbH
Germany
Speaker
Dr. Mario Lindner
Research Assistent - Transfer and Use of Hydrogen Systems
Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU
Germany
Dr. Philipp Blechinger
Head of Unit Off-Grid Systems
Reiner Lemoine Institut gGmbH
Germany