Revolution in the energy sector: New hydrogen model developed for Europe!

Revolution in the energy sector: New hydrogen model developed for Europe!

On May 27, 2025, the StEAM project, a major research enterprise of the Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen, was successfully completed. This presents a global energy system model that was developed over a period of three years with the help of funding from the Federal Ministry of Economics. This model aims to link the electricity and hydrogen sectors and is made available as open source, which facilitates the exchange and further development of the methods. The researchers emphasize the importance of exchange with practice partners throughout the entire process.

A key result of the project shows that Europe occupies a special position: While the continent imports large quantities of hydrogen from North Africa, especially from Morocco, transport within Europe takes place predominantly via pipelines. Ship transport remains unattractive due to inadequate connections in certain regions. Particularly noteworthy are the projected long-term marginal costs for hydrogen in Europe, which are expected to be around 110 euros/MWh (equivalent to around 3.30 euros/kg of hydrogen) by 2040.

Costs and potential in other regions

In comparison, South America is a region with significantly lower long-term marginal costs, which are around 80 euros/MWh (2.40 euros/kg hydrogen). However, the long distance makes for unattractive transport conditions in this area. Experts point out that higher quality, more transportable derivatives could be produced locally and then exported.

Numerous case studies were carried out in the context of European regulation for green hydrogen, global capital costs and ramp-up limitations in the expansion of renewable energies. The model developed is intended to support politics and business in making data-based decisions.

National hydrogen strategies in a global context

In a global context, hydrogen (H2) has become a key player in future renewable energy systems. An analysis from 2020 compared the hydrogen strategies of 16 countries and the EU. The focus is on the different degrees of specificity, focal points and goals of these strategies. Japan, France, South Korea and Australia have already published major strategies ahead of recent developments, with over 20 countries having announced or planning a hydrogen strategy by 2020.

Current trends show that after a slight decline in releases in 2022, the number of new plans increased back to 2021 levels in 2023. There are now a total of 41 strategy documents and four revisions at government level. Countries representing over 80% of global gross domestic product are expected to develop a hydrogen strategy by 2025.

National strategies often aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, integrate renewable energies and diversify energy sources. The opportunities for economic growth through new jobs and technology exports are also heavily emphasized. At the same time, expanding production capacity and the necessary transport infrastructure for hydrogen require coordinated public financing and support.

International hydrogen partnerships are increasingly emerging through bilateral and trilateral agreements, but the implementation of political measures often falls short of the defined goals. Throughout the discussion, both the challenges and the potential of the hydrogen market are clearly outlined and require an overall energy policy strategy.

Further detailed annual trends and analyzes of hydrogen production costs can be found in the reports from stiftung-umweltenergierecht.de and the comprehensive studies of the World Energy Council.