Energy - Federal government decides on hydrogen import strategy
The German federal government has adopted a strategy for the import of Hydrogen. Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) stated that a large part of Germany's hydrogen demand will be covered medium- to long-term through imports from abroad. "The import strategy sets the framework. It sends a clear signal to our foreign partners: Germany expects a large and stable domestic demand for hydrogen and derivatives and is a reliable partner and market for hydrogen products."
Hydrogen is set to play a key role in the climate-friendly conversion of key industries. Imports are planned via pipelines and ships.
For the Federation of German Industries (BDI), Vice-CEO Holger Lösch stated that it is urgently necessary to accelerate the hydrogen market ramp-up. "The measures and funding programs described in the import strategy can accelerate the ramp-up, provided they are implemented without further delay. However, instruments such as climate protection agreements must be adequately funded. In addition, pragmatic and internationally compatible certification systems, as well as the timely expansion of a European hydrogen infrastructure, are needed."
The Machinery Manufacturers' Association VDMA criticized that the strategy lacks milestones that could facilitate global hydrogen trade. "Therefore, there is no concrete roadmap for the future."
- Robert Habeck, the German Economy Minister, emphasized that the import strategy for hydrogen sends a strong message to foreign partners, positioning Germany as a reliable partner and market for hydrogen products.
- In his role at the Federation of German Industries (BDI), Holger Lösch emphasized the urgency of accelerating the hydrogen market ramp-up, mentioning that the import strategy's measures could help if implemented promptly.
- With hydrogen set to play a crucial role in achieving climate-neutrality in key industries, Germany is planning hydrogen imports through pipelines and ships to cover a significant portion of its medium- to long-term demands.
- The Machinery Manufacturers' Association VDMA criticized the strategy, pointing out that it lacks clear milestones to facilitate global hydrogen trade, ultimately leaving no concrete roadmap for the future.
