Work

Decarbonizing CHP Systems via Hydrogen: Specific Drivers and Hurdles in Highly Industrialized Regions Like Saarland, Germany

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The global energy transition demands solutions that balance intermittent renewable energy generation while decarbonizing heat and power sectors. Hydrogen has appeared as a versatile energy carrier, enabling sector coupling across electricity, heat, and industry. This work explores the integration of hydrogen into combined heat and power (CHP) systems, with a regional focus on Saarland, Germany. It depicts H2-ready technologies including combustion engines, gas turbines, and fuel cells, and introduces a custom Python-based (Version 3.13) techno-economic optimization model to simulate multi-energy system operations. The analysis reveals that high hydrogen costs, electricity price volatility, and market design significantly constrain economic viability. However, Saarland’s industrial structure and cross-border infrastructure projects offer strategic opportunities for scalable hydrogen deployment. The article concludes with targeted recommendations for technology development, policy reform, and regional replication, positioning hydrogen CHP as a flexible and decarbonizing solution in energy-intensive regions.

Source: Hydrogen

DOI: 10.3390/hydrogen7020046

Authors: Batuhan Senol, Josef Meiers, Georg Frey

Institution: Saarland University

Language: English

Topic: Integrated Energy Systems Optimization

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207