WRAP-GH2

Countries in the MENA region such as Jordan are interested in producing hydrogen (H2). In the discussion, the role of H2 as an export product through the development of large-scale production plants often predominates, although decentralised hydrogen systems with comparatively small-scale production for the local use of hydrogen can also play an important role in decarbonisation. However, Jordan's resources for electrolysis-based production of green hydrogen are characterised by ambivalence: While solar energy for the operation of electrolysers is available in almost unlimited quantities, the availability of water as feedstock for water splitting is very limited. Unconventional water resources such as desalinated seawater or recycled wastewater could be an alternative, as could approaches to using water more consciously. 

Within the WRAP-GH2 project, the project team will analyse whether the local production and use of green hydrogen is a viable option in Jordan. In a conceptual approach, alternative water resources (e.g. wastewater) are identified in order to avoid further exacerbating the water scarcity in Jordan. Electricity for electrolysis is to be generated via a agri-PV system. With this overall system in mind, business models are to be identified and discussed with stakeholders from Jordan and Germany. 

For the project under the Export Initiative Environmental Protection (German: Exportinitiative Umweltschutz), the Wuppertal Institute cooperates with the IWW Zentrum Wasser. While the IWW is contributing its expertise in the water sector, the Wuppertal Institute’s focus is on socio-economic issues relating to hydrogen and agri-PV.