Cheap electricity and origin certificates key for hydrogen ramp-up – stakeholder survey
Clean Energy Wire
Stakeholders are in broad agreement on the necessary drivers and obstacles for Germany's hydrogen market ramp-up, a poll by the National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) and the Dechema chemical engineering and biotechnology network has found. In a survey of nearly 600 stakeholders including the science sector, industry, NGOs, and public administrations, respondents said legislative support was crucial in creating a framework for a competitive hydrogen economy in Germany, including a massive boost in innovation. Further measures that are seen as essential for the ramp-up include certificates of origin for climate-friendly hydrogen; the removal of state price components from electricity used for hydrogen production; and state subsidies.
The survey results also identified key obstacles to large-scale production of green hydrogen in Germany: 59 percent of those surveyed see the high investment and maintenance costs as an obstacle to the profitability of production plants. Likewise, 59 percent of those surveyed regard the insufficient space for renewable energy systems as another key obstacle. The research project identified electrolysis projects in Germany that will have a total capacity of some 5 GW by 2030, while the German government is aiming for an electrolysis capacity of 10 GW by that date.
Green hydrogen is seen as a key component in achieving Germany’s ambitious climate goals, especially in sectors where emissions are otherwise difficult to reduce.
