Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHTEnAqua dialog
Water for the energy transition – solution concepts in dialog with stakeholders
The energy transition is perceived positively by the majority of the population as a task for society as a whole. At the same time, there are challenges and potential for conflict within this transformation process. Some conflicts are directly visible, others are more latent but no less important for the success of the energy transition. When planning hydrogen hubs, for example, the conflicts over the use of water as a resource have not yet been recognized as a systemic challenge - and have therefore not been adequately addressed.
The interaction between hydrogen and water management stands out as one of many examples of conflicts of use in the context of the energy transition. Against the backdrop of a sometimes extremely tense water competition situation - long periods of drought and water shortages due to climate change - efficient solutions must be found as quickly as possible for these conflict situations in particular.
A consortium of humanities scholars and natural scientists is currently developing a dialog process called "EnAqua" together with water and energy suppliers from two hydrogen model regions (Metropolregion NordWest and Metropole Ruhr).
Closing knowledge gaps and identifying conflicting goals
The project partners each select a hydrogen pilot area in the model regions and analyze the spatial and infrastructural situation: What is the local hydrogeological and climatic situation? What is the existing hydrogen and water infrastructure? They are also investigating the ecological situation and the stakeholder structure. Based on this data, interactions between the factors and competitive situations in the pilot area are analyzed. For example, the expansion of hydrogen production capacities (factor: spatial development) is increasing competition for water in the face of growing drought stress (factor: climate).
The EnAqua Dialogue relies on the participation of all affected stakeholders and includes the interests of citizens as well as those of industries, agriculture, utilities and municipalities. "We are developing the dialog as a scenario-based process using WebGIS applications and structured communication, coordination and opinion-forming processes," explains project manager Dr. Ilka Gehrke from Fraunhofer UMSICHT.
Transfer for other regions
The dialog approach should later be quickly transferable to other regions, where it will enable solutions for further conflicts of use in the energy transition during the market ramp-up phase. Ilka Gehrke adds in conclusion: "In the long term, an acceleration effect can be achieved in this way, as potential conflicts are proactively addressed in dialog."