ESSEN (dpa-AFX) - In the debate about the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy, the head of the Uniper energy group has spoken out in favor of the use of so-called blue hydrogen in the energy industry. "Green hydrogen will not be available in sufficient quantities for the foreseeable future," said Michael Lewis at the E-World energy trade fair in Essen on Tuesday. The costs are decisive for the industrial location.

Accordingly, the focus should also be on technologies such as blue hydrogen and the storage of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CCS). "These can not only help to reduce the costs of the transition, but also ensure a competitive energy supply." The production of blue hydrogen is currently significantly cheaper than that of green hydrogen.

Lewis reiterated the nationalized company's intention to build hydrogen-capable gas-fired power plants as part of its new power plant strategy. These are intended to generate electricity when there is not enough power available from wind and solar energy.

While green hydrogen is produced from renewable energies in a climate-neutral way, blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas. The CO2 produced is captured and stored permanently. The technology is considered low-carbon, but not carbon-neutral. CCS stands for "Carbon Capture and Storage" and refers to the technology for capturing and storing CO2. In Germany, CCS is currently only permitted for research purposes. The Federal Ministry of Economics is currently developing a strategy for dealing with greenhouse gases in industry and waste management.

"We must use all the technologies available to us to limit the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," said Lewis. Storing CO2 on land is not currently on the table. But storage at sea and export options must be considered, "also to create the necessary momentum to build the hydrogen economy," said the manager. "By focusing on cost-efficient solutions, we can maintain the profitability of our industry and make our contribution to climate protection at the same time."

Around 900 companies from the energy industry from 31 countries are represented at this year's E-World trade fair, which runs until Thursday. The motto of the trade fair is "Solutions for a sustainable future." /tob/DP/mis