Hydrogen Action Plan for Northwest Brandenburg

RLI scientists are creating an H2 action plan for the Regional Development Corporation Prignitz-Oberhavel that promotes the use and integration of hydrogen in northwest Brandenburg. The aim is to make the region “hydrogen-ready”, to use renewable energies efficiently and to take into account both local and supra-regional perspectives of H2 production and use.

Hydrogen in the regional energy system
The H2 action plan will contain concrete recommendations for action for the three districts of Prignitz, Ostprignitz-Ruppin and Oberhavel. It is based on findings from a regional analysis and two studies. In the regional analysis, the experts compile data on infrastructure, demand structure and regulation. In the first study, they are investigating how hydrogen can be used sensibly in the region. The second study will investigate the potential of connecting the hydrogen pipeline “Doing Hydrogen”. Since it is unclear at the start of the project whether and to what extent the pipeline can be realized, the project team is alternatively carrying out a transport optimization in which various transport options for concrete project ideas are analyzed. On this basis, the scientists develop strategic recommendations for action that create a balance between local energy consumption and the export of hydrogen.

Stakeholder involvement and practical relevance
A central element of the project is the close cooperation with local stakeholders and members of the PrOOH2V network. This is made up of energy companies, industrial and logistics companies, research and educational institutions, municipal institutions and municipal utilities, consulting and engineering service providers as well as associations and initiatives. The project team incorporates the expertise and needs from the network into the development of the action plan. Practical case studies show how the results can be implemented in the region.

Implementation and objectives
For the hydrogen action plan, the team is using existing studies and networks in the region to initiate concrete projects and strengthen the local energy supply in the long term.

Project period: August 2024 – December 2025

• Analysis of the infrastructure, market development and regulation relevant to the region
• Research on decentralized energy systems
• Investigation and evaluation of application potential of hydrogen in various sectors as well as current expansion plans and targets
• Identification of possible start-up projects and case studies
• Survey and transfer of best practices to promote social acceptance (best practice exchange)
• Stakeholder-based knowledge exchange on regional application and barriers
• Potential analysis of a connection of the hydrogen pipeline “Doing Hydrogen”
• if necessary: Analysis of different transport options for concrete project ideas
• Summary into an action plan and designation of concrete recommendations for action