Germany Sets Clear Standards for Green Hydrogen and E-Fuels Production

German federal government has taken a significant step towards shaping the future of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels. With the amendment to the 37th Ordinance implementing the Federal Immission Control Act (37th BImSchV), the government has laid down precise specifications for the production of green hydrogen and e-fuels.

This decision aims to provide a robust framework for the renewable energy sector, promoting the growth of green hydrogen and supporting the broader goals of the energy transition.

The primary goal of this legislative amendment is to establish uniform rules for the production of green hydrogen and other synthetic fuels. By defining the conditions under which electricity used in their production is considered fully renewable, the government seeks to create a roadmap for the accelerated market ramp-up of the green hydrogen economy. This move is crucial, given the growing demand for green hydrogen across various industries, including fuel manufacturing, steel, and chemicals.

The amendment makes it unequivocally clear that hydrogen can only be deemed “green” if the electricity used in its production is sourced 100 percent from renewable energies of non-biogenic origin. Furthermore, to meet the green criteria, the entire production process must reduce CO2 emissions by at least 70 percent, taking into account the entire supply chain, including the transport of green hydrogen. These stringent requirements also apply to the production of e-fuels for road vehicles and other renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs).

The potential impact of these uniform rules is significant, particularly in the transport sector. By promoting the use of green hydrogen and e-fuels, the government aims to address the need for climate-friendly solutions in air and sea transport. E-fuels, produced with green hydrogen, are seen as a crucial element in achieving climate goals in these sectors. The amendment provides the planning security needed for the hydrogen economy to flourish and for products made from green hydrogen to enter the market expeditiously.