Copyright: Shutterstock/Kampan
PtX Lab Briefing sheds light on the positive and negative effects of hydrogen derivatives on people and the environment.
The social and ecological sustainability of green hydrogen derivatives must be politically anchored and actively promoted. This is the conclusion reached by the team of authors of the recently published PtX Lab Briefing ‘Hydrogen Derivatives — Recommendations to Safeguard the Social and Environmental Sustainability of Green Hydrogen Derivatives’.
As part of the PtX Lab Talk event series, the deputy head of the PtX Lab Lausitz and co-author of the briefing, Anita Demuth, gave an insight into the results of the study. These make it clear how important it is to ensure sustainability along the entire value chain when utilising hydrogen derivatives.
Hydrogen Derivatives — Recommendations
PtX Lab Briefing | 01/2025 I Topic: Sustainability I 15 Pages I NOTE: The English version will be published shortly.
Framework conditions for sustainable imports
The production of green hydrogen derivatives such as synthetic ammonia, kerosene, methanol and other fuels and raw materials from renewable electricity will not be limited to Germany and the local continent.
Copyright: PtX Lab Lausitz / Steffen Rasche
Europe will be dependent on imports in the long term. This gives developing and emerging countries the opportunity to mature into PtX exporting countries and makes fair trade relations and high standards in global cooperation indispensable.
In addition to regulatory measures and technical innovations, social standards and criteria are also required for a globally sustainable market ramp-up of green hydrogen derivatives, which is essential for the mobility transition and the transformation of the (chemical) industry.
Export projects must find local acceptance in order to avoid protests against them and environmental risks. Fair partnerships, stable framework conditions and the involvement of local communities are important. This publication provides recommendations for avoiding sustainability risks and outlines concrete steps for realising a climate-neutral future.
To this end, the paper sets out a total of ten recommendations for action, which can be clustered into the following three areas:
- Setting and certifying sustainability standards
- Resolve conflicting political objectives and leverage synergies
- Promote research and infrastructure
About the policy brief
The PtX Lab Briefing ‘Hydrogen Derivatives — Recommendations to Safeguard the Social and Environmental Sustainability of Green Hydrogen Derivatives’ was prepared by the PtX Lab working group on sustainability.
When establishing new PtX technologies and business models, the working group always takes a holistic view of the entire value chain and deals with various aspects of sustainability. The 15-page publication was produced under the leadership of Nils Fuchs and Lukas Horndasch.
About the PtX Lab Talk #13
The latest PtX Lab Lausitz publication was presented as part of the PtX Lab Talk #13 on the topic of ‘Promoting and demanding - politically anchoring the sustainability of PtX’. The guests were Prof. Dr Rainer Quitzow from the Research Institute for Sustainability at the Helmholtz Centre in Potsdam (RIFS), Alexander Leuthold from the Wuppertal Institute and Stephan Singer from CAN International.
Together with Anita Demuth, also a speaker at the digital event, they first presented their own perspectives and then discussed the positive and negative effects of green hydrogen derivatives with around 70 participants.
Video recording of the PtX Lab Talk #13
Future events
The next PtX Lab Talk #14 will take place on 22 May 2025. In this episode, the employees of the PtX Lab Lausitz will discuss political measures to support the transformation of the chemical industry in Germany and the EU. More information on the speakers will follow shortly. Participation is free of charge. Registrations are already possible!
Register now
