Review of the Neunburg vorm Wald solar hydrogen demonstration project

Major system components of possible future energy supply based on hydrogen generated by utilising solar energy have been installed on an industrial scale at Neunburg vorm Wald, Germany. Consideration is given to the initial technical aspects of stepwise transition from present-day energy supply aligned primarily to fossil fuels. Focal points of the investigations being carried out under the project are performance of the plant subsystems (including PV arrays, electrolyzers, and fuel cell plants), most of which constitute prototypes of innovative technologies, and their interaction under practical operation conditions. Analysis of the work has yielded a reliable database for updated assessment of the prospects and challenges of solar hydrogen technology. The present review centres on the technology and operation of the facility with regard to the objectives and perspectives of the project.