International cooperation for greater acceptance of green hydrogen
Beyer believes that international cooperation in this area of green hydrogen is essential. Germany is not the only country that has been intensively researching the possibilities of hydrogen production for years. “The more we exchange experiences and results, the faster we will find solutions.” The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) is therefore funding two major IWU projects in Namibia and South Africa. The exchange is primarily intended to create acceptance for the use of hydrogen in the two countries and to stabilize the energy supply in the long term. “For example, we are exhibiting models of fuel cells and electrolyzers in Namibia and talking to researchers there about country-specific requirements and the many possibilities that hydrogen offers,” explains Mary Esther Ascheri, group leader and person responsible for the cooperation projects Hydrogen & Oxygen Biotop (HygO) in Namibia and Hydrogen Tryout Areal (HyTrA) in South Africa.
The many possibilities – that is exactly what motivates Ulrike Beyer. “A few years ago, Fraunhofer was looking for 'Mr. or Ms. Hydrogen'. Someone who would take on this topic and drive it forward. I didn't hesitate for long,” says the engineer. “Today, technological developments are often so advanced that researchers can only make minimal adjustments.” But hydrogen is like a young tree that has only just been planted. “You can still help shape a lot, shape processes, find new ways. That's what drives me.”