Hy­dro­gen – the en­er­gy source of the fu­ture

Hydrogen is a highly versatile energy source with immense potential for synergies because it can be used across sector boundaries – in clean mobility, for the efficient supply of electricity and heating, as an energy storage medium to offset fluctuating supplies from renewable sources, and as a basis for alternative fuels or as a process gas in industry. Sustainably and economically produced hydrogen is therefore a key element in greatly reducing emissions – especially of the harmful greenhouse gas carbon dioxide – in the energy, transport and industrial sectors and thus in combating climate change. At the same time, the establishment of a cross-sectoral and, if possible, global hydrogen economy is opening up enormous opportunities for new technologies and business models.

Setting the course for a climate-neutral energy and transport system

DLR is active in all areas of hydrogen research and along the entire process chain – from production to storage and use. With the experience gained over several decades, its researchers are working to make it widely usable. DLR’s scientists can draw upon several decades of experience in working to exploit its potential. In order to produce hydrogen sustainably and economically on a large industrial scale in the near future, DLR is researching two main methods – electrolysis and solar-thermal processes. DLR is also investigating how hydrogen can be stored as efficiently and safely as possible and transported over long distances. DLR is developing both special fuel cells and new types of hydrogen tanks for mobile use, and is integrating them into the relevant systems, be they cars, buses, trucks, cargo bicycles, trains, aircraft or ships. Together with turbine and power plant manufacturers, DLR is conducting research in the fields of fuel flexibility and design concepts for ensuring that mixtures of natural gas and hydrogen burn as stably and with as few pollutant emissions as possible.