University Announcement 051/2025 from Leibniz University Hannover
The Leibniz University Hannover and the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hameln have developed a groundbreaking model that optimizes the German energy system, determining the contribution of electrolyzers and battery storage to the success of the energy transition.
According to Alexander Mahner, lead author of the study, around 35% of electricity from renewable energies needs to be stored or converted into hydrogen by 2050 for efficient use, to prevent an increase of up to 60 billion euros in energy transition costs due to increased imports.
The strategic placement of electrolyzers and battery storage is key to a cost-effective energy transition. In the optimized scenario proposed by the study, electrolyzers for green hydrogen production are mainly used in the north of Germany, where wind power is abundant, enabling the conversion of excess wind electricity into green hydrogen. Simultaneously, battery storage is distributed throughout Germany, with a focus in the south of the country, balancing short-term solar energy supply and demand.
Electrolyzers convert electricity into green hydrogen, which is primarily used in industry for long-term energy storage and sector decarbonization. On the other hand, battery storage is used for short-term balancing of energy supply and demand, particularly compensating for day-night differences in solar energy.
The efficient use of electrolyzers and battery storage has a significant impact on the development of energy transition costs. This tailored approach minimizes renewable power waste and reduces reliance on costly energy imports, making the energy system more resilient and cost-efficient.
The research project received financial support from EWE AG. The full study, titled "Reducing Curtailment through Increased Flexibility in the Energy System - How expensive the energy transition will be also depends on how surplus electricity can be used through electrolyzers and battery storage," can be accessed at this link: https://repo.uni-hannover.de/handle/123456789/18554
The study provides essential foundations for decision-makers in politics and economics, emphasizing the importance of a sensible approach to the lagging expansion of electrolyzers and energy storage. For further information, contact Alexander Mahner M. Sc. at +49 511 762 19758 or [email protected].
[1] Mahner, A., et al. (2021). Reducing Curtailment through Increased Flexibility in the Energy System - How expensive the energy transition will be also depends on how surplus electricity can be used through electrolyzers and battery storage. Leibniz University Hannover. [3] Ibid. [5] Ibid.
- The Leibniz University Hannover and the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hameln's model highlights the essential role of electrolyzers and battery storage in optimizing the German energy system as part of the energy transition.
- According to the study, around 35% of electricity from renewable energies needs to be stored or converted into hydrogen by 2050 to prevent an increase of up to 60 billion euros in energy transition costs due to increased imports.
- The strategic placement of electrolyzers for green hydrogen production, mainly in the northern part of Germany where wind power is abundant, and battery storage distributed throughout Germany, with a focus in the southern region, are critical to a cost-effective energy transition.
- The efficient use of electrolyzers and battery storage has a significant impact on the development of energy transition costs, minimizing renewable power waste, reducing reliance on costly energy imports, and making the energy system more resilient and cost-efficient.
