Jul 26, 2023
Germany's updated National Hydrogen Strategy for 2023 emphasizes the importance of hydrogen in ensuring energy security, especially in light of global energy market changes and geopolitical events. The strategy aims to double the national expansion target of electrolysis capacity to at least 10 GW by 2030, accelerate infrastructure development, and position Germany as a leading market for hydrogen technologies.
The document titled "Fortschreibung der Nationalen Wasserstoffstrategie NWS 2023" is an update on Germany's National Hydrogen Strategy for 2023, published by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Here's a summary:
The German government introduced its National Hydrogen Strategy (NWS) in June 2020, which set a coherent framework for the future production, transport, and use of hydrogen and its derivatives, including relevant research, innovations, and investments. The initial phase of the strategy, which marked the beginning of market ramp-up, has been successfully implemented with advisory support from the National Hydrogen Council.
The strategy from 2020 remains largely valid. However, the coalition agreement from December 10, 2021, called for an ambitious update to the NWS, especially in light of significant changes in energy market conditions. The illegal Russian attack on Ukraine and its impact on global energy markets highlighted the risks of over-reliance on energy imports from individual countries for Germany's energy security.
The updated NWS aims to achieve high energy security through competitive intra-European hydrogen production and diversified and secure international imports. This is crucial not only for climate protection but also for security policy reasons. The update also sends a strong industrial policy signal, emphasizing the strengthening of Germany's industrial and economic base and laying the foundation for future-proof jobs.
The coalition agreement also envisions doubling the national expansion target of electrolysis capacity from 5 GW to at least 10 GW by 2030. It aims to accelerate infrastructure development and position Germany as a leading market for hydrogen technologies by 2030.
Achieving ambitious legal climate targets requires a significant increase in energy efficiency and a rapid expansion of renewable energies.
Read a press release here: https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2023/07/20230726-markthochlauf-fuer-wasserstoff-beschleunigen.html
Read the report in german here: