The German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (DWV) has published a position paper outlining strategic proposals for an efficient hydrogen import strategy for Germany.
The paper, titled “Hydrogen Import Strategy for Germany”, emphasizes the significance of harnessing Europe’s green hydrogen potential to ensure energy security, economic stability, and geopolitical balance.
A European Green Hydrogen Union
The DWV’s proposition for a European green hydrogen union holds promises of the utmost security of supply and stability for all EU member states, particularly Germany. To meet the agreed-upon climate targets and ensure a secure energy supply, Germany is poised to import green hydrogen before 2030. Scenarios project that annual imports may reach several hundred TWh, worth up to €15 billion.
Notably, this importing strategy could stimulate enormous revenue potential, reaching up to €500 billion by 2030 for German mechanical engineering and green hydrogen production systems. The transition of the German economy towards green hydrogen is a cost-efficient approach to achieving targeted climate neutrality by 2045 without compromising the security of the energy supply.
A Pragmatic Approach to Hydrogen Import
Werner Diwald, CEO of DWV, has expressed support for the Federal Government’s announcement to develop a hydrogen import strategy. Diwald urges early strategic and decisive actions to secure the requirements of the German green hydrogen market economy. He highlights the importance of a short-term focus on cooperation with European partners and neighboring countries for a coherent industry and energy strategy.
The key elements of a German hydrogen import strategy must include:
- Establishing clear objectives for the importation of hydrogen – such as the origin, timing, quantity, and form – to provide planning and investment security and facilitate the expansion of a green hydrogen market economy.
- Developing energy and hydrogen partnerships into tangible hydrogen trading partnerships, including transparent and binding agreements on trade volumes, and concerted efforts to expand production and infrastructure.
- Prioritizing the “European option” for hydrogen importation, supplemented by selected non-European partners where geostrategically advantageous.
- Aligning political support and financial resources towards European and selected international hydrogen projects, setting the stage for the private sector to develop and safely implement reliable import options.
- Preferring the import of gaseous green hydrogen via pipelines, while strategically considering additional imports of hydrogen and its derivatives via ship for diversification.
- Developing transport and infrastructure for imports, pushing for consistent and ambitious planning and expansion of the national hydrogen core network and the European Hydrogen Backbone.
The DWV’s position paper represents a crucial step in defining Germany’s hydrogen import strategy, outlining a clear roadmap to leverage the European green hydrogen potential and prepare for the upcoming surge in renewable energy demand.
