The framework condition for a possible future role of renewable hydrogen in the Aus¬trian energy systems 2050 are modelled. Resulting from the life cycle assessment the renewable hydrogen applications are mainly considered for transportation services. The following framework conditions for renewable hydrogen are assumed:
- reduction of energy consumption
- increasing of energy efficiency
- increase of renewable energy
- reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants
- using domestic renewable energy resources.
Given the total available potential of renewable energy resources in Austria 2050, a significant increasing of energy efficiency is necessary, where the demand of useful energy will be 45% lower by providing the same amount of energy services. To provide the 386 PJ of useful energy in 2050 610 PJ of renewable energy are necessary, mainly from hydro power, biomass and solar heat. Today the overall energy efficiency from 1,162 PJ/a primary energy to 591 PJ/a useful energy is 51%; in 2050 it might be 63% (610 PJ/a primary energy to 386 PJ/a useful energy).
The shares of final energy carriers in 2050 might be dominated by renewable electricity, renewable heat and solid biofuels, whereas renewable hydrogen, liquid and gaseous biofuels play a minor role. Renewable hydrogen of 63 PJ/a, or a share of 13% of all final energy, will be pro¬duced from hydro and wind power. But in a sustainable transportation sector 2050 renewable hydrogen might play a major rule with 54% of the total energy consumption for transportation services, beside biofuels with about 29%.