Hydrogen could play an important role as alternative fuel for transportation services, because it can be produced from different primary energy sources and the emissions of the operation of the vehicles are reduced significantly. This role can only be achieved, if hydrogen production, storage and distribution is sustainable. The use of the by-products oxygen and heat are a precondition for renewable hydrogen produced by electrolysis to be an attractive and cost efficient alternative fuel. The electrolysis of water to hydrogen produces about 0.5 m³ oxygen per 1 m³ of hydrogen. About 25 to 30% of the used electricity is converted into heat at a temperature level of 70 to 90°C.
In a technical analysis the production of renewable hydrogen as well as the possibilities of using the by-products oxygen and heat are assessed. The most promising technological options are evaluated economically and ecologically. In addition a case study for the innovative electrolytic production of hydrogen is done for the Austrian Hydrogen Centre in Graz, which includes a research program for a demonstration project. With this, further know-how and human resources for renewable hydrogen as alternative fuel will be established. Together with the industrial partner involved the future industrial realisation (e.g. hydrogen filling stations) and options for the use of oxygen and heat are investigated. The project is be carried out in a cooperation between industrial, university and non-university research partners utilising interdisciplinary synergies. The project is funded by the Austrian Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology in the A3-Programm.