Power to gas – i.e. the conversion of electricity into gas for further use or long-term storage — is one of the most promising technologies for the future. Regardless of the potential of this method, which has been mature enough for use for quite some time, experience in the development of viable business models and seizing market opportunities is few and far between. Companies which would like to take a step out into uncharted terrain will need to ask themselves a great many questions at the beginning, particularly regarding the selection of a location: What are the criteria for a suitable location? Where can we best build our power-to-gas plant? How do we avoid making unnecessary mistakes? Where do synergies exist?
As a well-founded orientation aid for pioneers in a new market, dena created the Power to Gas Potentiality Atlas, a precise location analysis for Germany. In this study, certain cluster regions are presented that appear predestined for power to gas — for example, because they are characterised by a good supply of renewable energy as well as an above-average demand for hydrogen and methane. The prevalent attitude towards future projects in the respective region also plays a role, as do other factors, such as the existing infrastructure. The potentiality atlas can be downloaded for free on the dena Power to Gas Strategy Platform.
The potentiality atlas perceptibly drives the development process towards making power to gas ready for the market. It provides companies with a useful foundation for their first and/or subsequent forays in this area. Politicians will get an idea of the extent to which they will be affected by the topic, and can set their priorities. The regional electricity and gas network planning also benefits from the results and recommendations of the study, as the anticipated top regions for power to gas plants are now more precisely localised. Finally, the potentiality atlas also serves to revitalise the job market and value creation on site, as new technologies also means new jobs.