Whether it is industry, transport or the heating sector, we need green energy in all domains of life in order to reach our climate goals. This requires being able to use renewables in fields that are difficult or even impossible to electrify. Germany will remain dependent on energy imports in future, but we want to end our reliance on suppliers of fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal. Hydrogen makes it possible to import green energy from the world’s regions that are rich in sunshine and wind. Doing so will also diversify our energy imports.

What is green hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is urgently needed for “sector coupling” and the establishment of a sustainable, global energy system based on renewable sources of energy. Green hydrogen is produced in a climate-neutral way, for example by electrolysis, using electricity from renewable sources. Energy from the sun and wind can be stored with this most versatile source of energy, then transported and used as required – for example in fuel cells to generate power and heat or in industrial processes.

The slogan “shipping the sunshine” is apt because green hydrogen can be produced in regions with plenty of wind, sunshine and water and then exported to cover energy demand around the world. The global market for hydrogen technologies is already very dynamic. German companies are well positioned to benefit from this growth.

National Hydrogen Strategy: Climate action "Made in Germany"

Green hydrogen technologies are therefore of utmost importance for ensuring the future viability of Germany as a location for business and industry. In light of this fact, the Federal Government adopted the National Hydrogen Strategy in June 2020. After the change of government last year, we now want to update the Strategy to make it even more ambitious and more binding.

Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy shows that we can use green hydrogen in industry, the transport sector and the energy system to maintain our competitiveness, reach our climate goals and open up new markets. We are pursuing a systemic approach which sees production, transport, distribution and the use of hydrogen as a whole – also at international level.

The National Hydrogen Strategy integrates climate, energy, industry and innovation policies. The aim is to position Germany as a global frontrunner when it comes to green hydrogen and to become and remain a market leader in hydrogen technology. We want mitigation technology “Made in Germany” to become a new brand. German research and companies are global leaders in hydrogen technology, and the construction of complex industrial facilities is one of the core competencies of our plant engineering industry. We must seize upon this unique opportunity to supply our know-how for a global transition to renewable energy.

Hydrogen trade: Partnerships in Europe and the world

Research will help us to establish new strategic hydrogen partnerships in Europe and around the world. Demonstration projects with Australia and countries in West and Southern Africa will be laying the groundwork for international hydrogen trade and thus creating new export opportunities and markets for innovative technology companies from Germany.