Germany admits hydrogen delays as Reiche unveils 10-point plan
Germany's economy ministry concedes the hydrogen market is lagging. Carbon contracts, imports from India and Denmark and looser EU rules are meant to speed up the ramp-up.
German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche on Monday presented a 10-point plan to speed up the stalled build-out of a hydrogen market. A ministry paper says the ramp-up is behind earlier expectations, according to the dpa news agency, adding: "But hydrogen is still too expensive." The ministry said it wants to proceed "pragmatically and realistically."
At the core are climate protection contracts under which the state takes on part of companies' risk when switching to low-emission processes. A 2027 bidding round is to be worth at least 1.5 billion euros, according to trade publication ZfK. The plan also includes incentives for hydrogen power plants, climate requirements for steel and cement in public procurement and a green gas quota.
Imports are to begin in 2029 as ammonia from India and in 2031 from Denmark. The ministry considers EU criteria for green hydrogen "too rigid" and is pushing for changes. More than 500 kilometers of Germany's hydrogen core network were in operation in 2025, with another 2,200 kilometers under way, ZfK reported.