FAQs

Get answers to common questions about WAVE-H2 and our services.

FAQs

Get answers to common questions about WAVE-H2 and our services.

WAVE-H2

How can my company benefit from WAVE-H2?

WAVE-H2 offers a unique environment to explore, test, and advance hydrogen technologies. Companies can benefit in several ways:

Access cutting-edge research: Work with our research teams and use state-of-the-art facilities to stay at the forefront of hydrogen innovation.
Collaborate with partners: Connect with experts and industry partners to co-develop solutions for decarbonization challenges.
Test and develop your technologies: Use our advanced infrastructure to test, optimize, and scale your hydrogen solutions under realistic conditions.

Interested in collaborating? Contact us to learn how WAVE-H2 can support your projects and develop tailored solutions.

How long will the research platform operate?

The research platform will run for ten years, with the option to extend.

What is possible with WAVE-H2?

Analysis of system performance and functionality
Integration of systems for optimized solutions
Efficient operation without continuous runtime
Collaboration with manufacturers for system improvement and development
Daytime field trials

Hydrogen

What is hydrogen?

Hydrogen is the lightest and simplest element in the periodic table – a colorless, odorless gas.

Most abundant element: Makes up around 75% of the mass in the universe
Lightest substance: One cubic meter of hydrogen weighs approximately 90 grams
In the Sun: Accounts for about 74% of its composition
Energy storage: Stores renewable energy for use when wind and solar are unavailable
Fuel of the future: Plays a key role in decarbonizing industry, transport, and energy systems

Where can hydrogen be used?

Hydrogen is used across a range of applications. Today, it is already widely used in the production of ammonia. It also plays an important role as an energy storage medium for renewable energy, which is becoming increasingly important in the energy transition. Stored hydrogen can later be converted back into other forms of energy, such as electricity.

Safety

Is hydrogen dangerous?

Hydrogen, the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, is increasingly seen as a clean energy source. Like any energy carrier, it requires proper safety measures. In its pure form, hydrogen is colorless and odorless and can be flammable under certain conditions. With appropriate handling and safety precautions, however, risks can be effectively managed. Advances in technology and strict safety standards have significantly reduced these risks, making the use of hydrogen safe and reliable today.

How are potential risks addressed?

Risk – Explosion

Explosion risks are managed through the following measures:

Prevention of explosive hydrogen mixtures
Controlled venting and additional mechanical safety features
Release of hydrogen into clearly defined and secured areas (Ex zones)
Rapid dispersion of hydrogen without an ignition source
Restricted access to Ex zones with required training, tools, and protective equipment

Risk – Lightning

Lightning risks are managed through the following measures:

Capture of direct lightning strikes using lightning protection masts
Safe conduction of lightning currents into the grounding system
Distribution of currents safely into the ground
Placement of all components within the protected area of the masts
Redundant grounding of metallic components (at least two connections)
Additional protection of electrical systems
Shutdown of operations during severe weather conditions
No risk to the surrounding area during a lightning strike

Risk – Fire

Fire risks are managed through the following measures:

Emergency stop signals for immediate transition to a safe state of all components
Secured site with restricted access
Minimum safety distances of at least 5 meters
Monitoring of all components with fire and gas sensors
Integration of a fire detection system with automatic alerting of the fire brigade
Fire extinguishers at all components

Environment

Is hydrogen climate-friendly?

Hydrogen is a climate-friendly energy carrier, as its use in combustion or fuel cells produces only water as a by-product. It does not emit greenhouse gases or air pollutants at the point of use.

However, the overall environmental impact of hydrogen technologies depends strongly on how the hydrogen is produced. Today, most hydrogen is generated from fossil fuels such as natural gas, which is associated with greenhouse gas emissions. This is commonly referred to as “grey hydrogen”.

To fully realize the environmental benefits of hydrogen, production from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power is essential. This form of production is known as “green hydrogen”. Scaling up green hydrogen production is a key step toward reducing emissions and enabling sustainable energy systems.

Hydrogen can only be considered climate-friendly when it is produced sustainably and used in combination with low-emission technologies.

What are the effects of hydrogen on the atmosphere?

Hydrogen use: Hydrogen is widely regarded as a clean energy carrier, as its use – whether in combustion or fuel cells – produces only water. As a result, hydrogen can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming. However, its overall environmental performance depends on the production pathway. Hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources has a significantly lower environmental impact than hydrogen derived from fossil fuels.
Environmental aspects: Hydrogen itself is not a direct greenhouse gas. Nevertheless, environmental aspects must be considered, particularly with regard to leakage and production methods.
Hydrogen leaks: Hydrogen released into the atmosphere rises rapidly and disperses into higher atmospheric layers. Its influence on atmospheric chemistry is generally limited, and impacts in the vicinity of hydrogen facilities are minimal. The primary concern associated with hydrogen leakage is safety. Modern hydrogen systems are designed to minimize leaks and ensure rapid detection.
Hydrogen production: The environmental impact of hydrogen depends strongly on how it is produced. “Green hydrogen”, generated via electrolysis using renewable energy, is significantly more environmentally friendly than hydrogen produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas.

How loud is the WAVE-H2 operation?

Noise protection measures

Placement of components based on noise levels
Use of low-noise components and sound protection measures
Operation limited to weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. (no nighttime operation)

Noise limits according to TA Noise

Maximum of 55 dB during daytime (6 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
Noise levels remain at least 6 dB below the limit at all surrounding locations

Worst-case scenario

Based on maximum load conditions, which are unlikely during normal operation

Conclusion: Overall noise levels are comparable to a radio at low volume.

What measures are in place to reduce noise?

Strict noise limits: Although the site is located in a commercial area, residential noise limits apply.
Optimized placement and sound insulation: Noisy equipment is positioned away from nearby buildings and fitted with additional sound insulation to minimize noise.
Comprehensive noise assessment: Noise calculations take into account ground conditions, weather, and surrounding structures, such as buildings that may reflect sound.
Worst-case scenario analysis: Noise levels are calculated based on the loudest possible scenario, assuming all systems operate simultaneously under maximum load—for example in summer, with high cooling demand and minimal natural sound absorption. In practice, these conditions are highly unlikely to occur at the same time.
Realistic operating conditions are quieter: Actual operation will be quieter than the calculated worst-case scenario.
Illustrated scenarios: Visualizations show the maximum noise case, including all active sources and wind conditions that could carry sound further.

Technology

Are hydrogen and hydrogen technologies economically viable?

The economic viability of hydrogen technologies depends on various factors:

Cost competitiveness: At present, hydrogen technologies remain relatively expensive in many applications compared to conventional energy sources. This is largely due to the high costs associated with hydrogen production, transport, and storage.
Long-term cost decline: Ongoing technological advancements and larger-scale deployment are expected to reduce costs over time, improving the competitiveness of hydrogen-based solutions.
Growing interest: There is increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy carriers, which may further drive the adoption of hydrogen technologies.

The economic viability of hydrogen is highly dependent on market conditions, policy support, and technological progress. While the outlook is improving, there is still no clear point at which hydrogen will be fully cost-competitive across all sectors.

What do you need to use hydrogen?

Using hydrogen as an energy source requires the right technologies and supporting infrastructure:

Hydrogen applications: Hydrogen can be used in different ways. For example, fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, while modified combustion engines can use hydrogen directly as a fuel.
Hydrogen production: Hydrogen can be produced using several methods. One of the most common is electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. This process can be powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind, or by fossil fuels such as natural gas.
Hydrogen infrastructure: A dedicated infrastructure is essential to store and transport hydrogen. This includes pipelines, refueling stations, and storage facilities designed specifically for hydrogen.

Together, these elements form the foundation for building a reliable and scalable hydrogen economy.

How easy is it to switch to hydrogen?

Converting existing systems to run on hydrogen can vary widely depending on the type of installation and its specific requirements. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

Technical compatibility: Not all systems are designed for hydrogen. Retrofitting may require changes to materials, seals, pipelines, or burner systems to ensure they can safely handle hydrogen.
Safety requirements: Hydrogen is highly flammable, so additional safety measures are essential. These may include leak-tight systems, proper ventilation, and safe storage solutions.
Cost and effort: The level of investment and work involved depends on the complexity of the system, the extent of modifications needed, and the availability of suitable technologies.
Hydrogen supply: A reliable and sufficient hydrogen supply is crucial. Depending on location and infrastructure, this can still be a challenge.

Not every system is suitable for conversion, and in some cases it may not be economically viable. A detailed technical and economic assessment is essential before moving forward.

Benefits

Who benefits from WAVE-H2?

WAVE-H2 delivers real benefits across the region:

Driving hydrogen innovation: Positions Baden-Württemberg as a leader in hydrogen technologies.
Strengthening the local economy: Creates jobs and supports local businesses.
Supporting the Black Forest region: Boosts economic activity across the Black Forest.
Attracting talent: Brings skilled professionals and new talent to the area.
Advancing education and research: Expands opportunities for learning and innovation at Campus Schwarzwald.

Can you help with planning and implementation?

Yes. We support you in developing and delivering a solution tailored to your requirements, backed by our experience in hydrogen projects. With existing know-how and mature technologies already on the market, getting started is easier than ever. Just get in touch if you’d like support.