WRAP_GH2

The initial situation

Political interest in green hydrogen is steadily growing in Jordan and other countries in the MENA region due to climate action targets. In the discussion, the role of hydrogen as an export product through the development of large generation plants often prevails. But it is precisely these decentralised hydrogen systems with a comparatively small production and scope of use that can play a major role in decarbonisation.

A fundamental challenge for the generation of green hydrogen in Jordan is the sustainable production of electricity and the limited water availability. Solar energy for the operation of electrolysers through photovoltaic systems is available to an almost unlimited extent. However, the availability of water as a raw material for water splitting is extremely limited.

The approach

The project examines the framework conditions and potential obstacles for the development of decentralised hydrogen technology in Jordan. Specific measures to strengthen the acceptance of green hydrogen are to be derived from the project.

At the same time, the provision of resources is of immense importance in the project: In addition to increased awareness in the use of water, unconventional water resources such as desalinated seawater or recycled wastewater may counteract the challenges of limited water availability.

The objectives and measures

The project is developing a feasibility study that specifically deals with the decentralised production of green hydrogen in combination with agrivoltaics (Agri-PV). Agrivoltaics can reduce evaporation and the electricity generated can be used in electrolysis. This thematic priority establishes an innovative approach that can increase the acceptance of the project through additional crop yields and reduced water costs in agriculture.

Jordanian stakeholders are involved in the analyses on water, hydrogen and agrivoltaics right from the very beginning. The results of these activities are discussed with Jordanian stakeholders and then published. Therefore, the project builds on the predecessor project “German-Jordanian Water-Hydrogen Dialogue” (GJWHD) as part of the EXI.