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Import strategy for hydrogen

At the end of July, the Federal cabinet adopted the Import Strategy for hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives. The strategy outlines the need for hydrogen imports and is intended to ensure a reliable supply.

Hydrogen is a particularly versatile energy source and therefore a key element of the energy transition. The National Hydrogen Strategy deals with the expansion of hydrogen production and the associated hydrogen market in Germany. However, the majority of Germany’s hydrogen needs will have to be met through foreign imports in the future as well. The Import Strategy creates a framework for this and enables investment security for hydrogen production in partner countries, for the expansion of the necessary import infrastructure and for the German industry as a buyer.

Estimates from the Federal Government indicate that the need for hydrogen and its derivatives in 2030 will lie between 95 and 130 terawatt hours (TWh). Around 50 to 70 per cent of this will likely need to be imported from abroad – with this percentage expected to continue to grow after 2030.

^{Ensuring a sustainable, stable and secure supply from multiple sources of supply}

The Import Strategy is in place to ensure a sustainable, stable and secure supply by leveraging different sources of supply. The strategy thus plays a key role in decarbonising the economy and the achieving national climate targets. The long-term goal is to secure a reliable supply of green and permanently sustainable hydrogen and its derivatives. In order to enable the necessary and rapid hydrogen rollout, the Import Strategy also includes low carbon hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives in meeting the need.

Alongside gaseous and liquid hydrogen (that is not bound in derivatives), various hydrogen derivatives like ammonia, methanol, naphtha, electricity-based fuels and carriers (such as LOHC) can be imported by pipeline or by ship. Transport by ship, railway line or road is mainly an option for hydrogen derivatives, carriers and downstream products. Shipping allows for hydrogen imports from regions that cannot be connected to Germany via pipeline for technical and economic reasons.

In order to make use of many sources of supply, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action currently maintains over 30 climate and energy partnerships and is engaged in energy dialogues with various countries. Additionally, past years have already seen concrete hydrogen agreements signed with various partner countries. You can read the whole Import Strategy for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Derivatives here.