Open-mindedness towards technologies wins the day

Having its roots in the German biogas sector, 2G has since become a combined heat and power systems (CHP) manufacturer operating on a global level. Markus Pieper, a member of the European Parliament known for his dedication to the middle class and renewable energies, recently visited 2G to gain a firsthand impression of the company’s development. The company distributed thousands of combined heat and power systems over the past 20 years and is currently one of the leading manufacturers of CHP ranging from 20 kW to 4.5 MW output that can already operate purely on hydrogen.

During his visit, Markus Pieper and representatives of 2G discussed the significance of decentral cogeneration in the energy mix of the future. The parliamentarian highlighted the importance of governing the energy supply sector without any technological biases.

Decentral cogeneration systems should not simply be seen as heating systems that happen to produce electricity, because they are efficient power generation systems geared towards electricity production tailored to the demand. “This can, for example, come into effect when renewable energy sources such as wind and sun are not available,” states Christian Grotholt, CEO of 2G. At the same, the heat occurring as a byproduct of this process could efficiently be used for applications such as heating networks, industrial processes and to supply households.

Stefan Liesner, Head of Public Affairs & Public Relations at 2G, also underlined the role of decentral cogeneration as the logical partner of photovoltaics and heat pumps. Combining these technologies would allow operators to cover their demand for electricity and heat on site with enormous efficiency. Additionally, he points out that decentral CHP systems are already suited to operate purely on hydrogen. As of today, 2G has already realized 25 projects on three continents where pure hydrogen is used as the exclusive fuel.

Markus Pieper welcomes this technological progress with open arms. The parliamentarian also considers the option to retrofit existing CHP systems for the operation on hydrogen to be an excellent step towards energy supply security and sustainability. Consequently, the German cogeneration sector should have the potential to provide 6 GW of decentral production capacity per year. Prioritizing decentral cogeneration as the backup technology for wind and solar energy can ease the need to expand the power grid while ensuring the supply security of industries, households, and other sectors, especially in times of increasing electrification.

As a result of the conversation, Markus Pieper assured his support in the face of the current challenges. Overbearing bureaucratic requirements in particular are as much of a burden on EU legislators as they are on manufacturers and operators. “Keeping an open mind towards technologies while putting aside ideologies and overbearing bureaucracy is the best way to realize the ‘Green Deal’,” concludes Pieper. “Companies like 2G demonstrate that entrepreneurial drive can produce a lot of change while forming a solid middle class in a region.”