Date: 25th July 2024

Location: Cranfield University & Online

Hydrogen stands out as a highly promising low-carbon solution crucial for steering towards a net-zero future. Community energy projects have the potential to sell the generated renewable electricity to hydrogen projects and generate income from the surplus electricity. Although community hydrogen projects are still relatively uncommon, successful examples in Bavaria, Germany, have demonstrated their technical feasibility. Experiences from Germany highlight the potential benefits of involving local communities in green hydrogen production, which can help mitigate the "not in my backyard" sentiment and secure necessary local investment in renewable generation.

This project, funded by the Global Research Fund, brings together expertise from Cranfield University and Nuertingen-Geislingen University in Germany. It aims to foster knowledge exchange and unlock the potential of community hydrogen projects in the UK. By sharing insights and findings from existing community hydrogen initiatives in Germany, this workshop seeks to discuss the feasibility, potential benefits, and challenges of developing similar projects in the UK.

We are pleased to announce presentations from:

Daniel Caspari, Senior Consultant, Cooperative Association of Bavaria (GVB), Munich, Germany
· Korbinian Ostermaier, Project Manager, Renewable Energy Cooperative Niederbayern

Topic: Cooperative Engagement in Green Hydrogen: A success story from Bavaria, Germany

Prof. Carsten Herbes, Nuertingen-Geislingen University

The project team will share the following findings:

Overview of the UK community energy sector

Insights into existing community energy projects in Germany without subsidies

Success factors and experiences from involvement of community in green hydrogen projects in Germany

Empowering Communities with Green Hydrogen: Novel Business Model, Workshop