Impulse paper for the revision of the National Hydrogen Strategy

Source: Center Hydrogen.Bavaria (H2.B) , December 05 2022

The revision of the National Hydrogen Strategy (NWS) is absolutely necessary in view of the current tense energy policy situation and partly fundamentally changed framework conditions.

The Center Hydrogen.Bavaria (H2.B) advocates a stronger consideration of Bavarian positions in the update of the NWS and, based on a multi-stage consultation process with 35 stakeholders from the Hydrogen Alliance Bavaria, developed an impulse paper comprising thirteen fundamental measures that are essential for a successful implementation of the energy transition with the help of hydrogen technologies.

Hydrogen can contribute significantly to securing the ramp-up of renewable energy production and use. However, in order to leverage this potential and to be able to achieve the climate targets of all sectors, the appropriate framework conditions must be created immediately. The need for a broader and at the same time more sustainable range of energy sources to supply German industrial and private consumers must also be reflected in efforts and activities in the field of hydrogen production and supply.

"We call for swift, pragmatic and largely technology-open action and expect the revised hydrogen strategy to support both the ramp-up on the supply and demand side," said Stefan Dürr, Head of Technology and Innovation, H2.B. "The NWS must set strong incentives for domestic production, import and transport of renewable energy and platform chemicals, as well as for the use of hydrogen in Germany. The principle of action must be to be able to use demonstrably emission-reducing technologies without discrimination and to be able to provide a widespread hydrogen supply already before 2030. Many Bavarian players already have the knowledge and technologies to bring hydrogen to a wide variety of applications and thus contribute to achieving Germany's and Bavaria's climate targets. The impulse paper aims to identify the necessary steps to leverage this potential."

Dr. Fabian Pfaffenberger, Managing Director of H2.B: "The economic and energy policy framework has changed fundamentally since the publication of the National Hydrogen Strategy in June 2020. This also affects the role of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives - the rapid ramp-up of the hydrogen economy has once again gained in importance. This also makes a revision of the NWS urgently necessary. In our impulse paper, we have bundled central Bavarian demands."

Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Hubert Aiwanger has welcomed the impulse paper of the Center Hydrogen.Bavaria (H2.B) with demands for updating the National Hydrogen Strategy. Aiwanger: "With H2.B, we have created an actor in the Free State that knows how to collect the positions of Bavarian industry and pass them on to the federal government in a bundled form. This gives Bavarian demands more weight and pays off in the current revision of the National Hydrogen Strategy." The State Minister had founded the H2.B and Hydrogen Alliance three years ago, initiated the Bavarian Hydrogen Strategy 2020 and also successfully campaigned for the National Hydrogen User Center (WTAZ) in Pfeffenhausen (Lower Bavaria).

Short summary of the demanded measures

• Accelerated development of an efficient German hydrogen network by using existing infrastructure and interlocked network planning. Creation of a consistent, uniform and transparent framework for regulation and a departure from planned unbundling regulations.
• Enabling a powerful decentralized hydrogen production also in southern Germany through technology openness (in addition to electrolysis also hydrogen from biomass and residues) and avoidance of location disadvantages due to stricter regulations than at EU level.
• Support of technology exports and energy imports by maintaining technology openness with regard to all forms of hydrogen and all derived energy carriers, as well as non-discriminatory access to funding based on appropriate evaluation criteria such as emission savings and CO2 footprint.
• Activation and strengthening of the domestic market for hydrogen technologies through short-term favoritism of buyers, a procurement of the public sector, accelerated and simplified approval procedures, as well as the training of professionals for companies and authorities.

The Impulse Paper for the Revision of the National Hydrogen Strategy is available on the site of the Center Hydrogen.Bayern for download.

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The National Hydrogen Council emphasizes the need to provide sufficient hydrogen storage facilities . Investment incentives need to be put in place now, he said. Its eight-page opinion "Hydrogen Storage Roadmap 2030 for Germany" is available for download from the National Hydrogen Council's website.