Power-to-X

Through P2X applications, energy can also be transferred from the electricity market into the transport sector and the heating sector. The boundaries between the conventional energy sectors will become fluid, which is particularly demonstrated by electric mobility. As a consequence, P2X systems allow cross-sectoral use of energy sources and an interconnection of energy networks.

In periods of oversupply, wind or solar power may be used for other applications:

• Power-to-Heat: Surplus electricity is used to generate heat. Thereby, fossil fuels may be replaced.

• Power-to-Gas: Surplus electricity is transformed by means of electrolysis into hydrogen and oxygen. These gases can used as an energy source or for industrial processes. In a second step hydrogen can also be processed to methane - and thus absorbs the greenhouse gas CO2. Methane in turn can be stored or fed into the gas grid.

• Power-to-Mobility: Surplus electricity is either fed directly into batteries of electric vehicles or it will be used for the production of fuel which replaces natural gas or gasoline. These fuels are accountable for the fulfilment of the biofuel quota (Section 37a BImSchG).

• Power-to-Industry: Surplus electricity is used in industrial processes.

The capacity of P2X-systems can be marketed in the control energy market. Power-to-Gas and Power-to-Heat systems can particularly provide negative secondary control energy. But to prequalify these systems for the control energy market regulatory preconditions need to be fulfilled.

For the realization of Power-to-Heat systems, a grid fee optimized integration into existing sites is recommendable. For example, high claims for construction costs (Baukostenzuschüsse) may be avoided if the system is integrated into private network systems outside the regulated grid system, cf. Section 3 no. 24 lit. a and lit. b EnWG. The system may also benefit from atypical network charges according to Section 19 sec. 2 StromNEV.

In addition, Power-to-Gas systems may benefit from a certification according to the German Biofuel Sustainability Ordinance in order to participate in the biofuel quota according to the Federal Pollution Control Act (BImSchG). There are already pilot projects, which aim to analyse the feasibility. The legal framework for P2X-systems is in transition and decisive adjustments are to be expected. It is therefore advisable to keep an eye on the legislation plans - especially at European level.