Hydrogen is set to play a key role on the path to climate neutrality. Germany will have to import a large proportion of it from abroad.
The federal government has adopted a strategy for importing hydrogen. Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) said that a large part of Germany’s hydrogen demand will have to be covered by imports from abroad in the medium to long term. “The import strategy provides the framework for this. It sends a clear signal to our partners abroad: Germany expects a large and stable domestic demand for hydrogen and derivatives and is a reliable partner and target market for hydrogen products.”
Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in the climate-friendly transformation of important industrial sectors. Imports via pipelines and ships are planned.
For the BDI industrial association, Vice-General Manager Holger Lösch said it remains urgently necessary to drive forward the hydrogen market ramp-up quickly. “The measures and funding programs described in the import strategy can accelerate the ramp-up, provided they are implemented without further loss of time.” However, instruments such as climate protection agreements must be provided with sufficient funds. In addition, pragmatic and internationally compatible certification systems are needed, as well as the rapid development and expansion of a European hydrogen infrastructure.
The mechanical engineering association VDMA criticized the strategy for lacking milestones that could boost global trade in hydrogen. “This means that there is no concrete roadmap for the future.”
Source: Stern
