Germany launches three flagship projects to fulfil green hydrogen ambitions

In its quest for global green hydrogen leadership, Germany has launched three flagship zero-emission technology projects. Following a call for ideas, the country's research ministry said it will support the projects with about 700 million euros in total. "H2Giga" is dedicated to making the serial production of electrolysers competitive and minimising production errors; "H2Mare" will investigate the production of hydrogen and downstream products, such as methane, ammonia and fuel, using off-grid wind turbines at sea to minimise costs; and "TransHyDE" is dedicated to researching hydrogen transport over short, medium and long distances.

"Our flagship projects show that Germany is entering the hydrogen economy. Green hydrogen is a key raw material for a climate-friendly Germany and long-term growth," said Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek. Starting in the spring, more than 200 partners will develop the "hydrogen technologies of the future" over a period of four years, the ministry said. "To ensure that green hydrogen can be used nationwide as quickly as possible, the lead projects are designed in such a way that each of them removes hurdles that still stand in the way of a successful, efficient hydrogen economy."

At a digital energy industry conference by newspaper Handelsblatt, economy and energy minister Peter Altmaier said a green hydrogen production capacity of five gigawatts would be "realistic" for Germany by 2030. However, this would clearly not be enough to meet the projected demand, which is why a functioning international hydrogen production network would be needed to fulfil the country's ambitions. 

In the fight against climate change, green hydrogen made with renewable electricity is increasingly seen as a solution for many areas where emissions are particularly hard to reduce, such as heavy industry and aviation. Germany, which has set itself the target of becoming climate-neutral by mid-century, aims to become a global leader in the associated technologies - not only to launch the next stages of its landmark energy transition but also to secure a promising growth market for its internationally reputed industry.