Germany's Hydrogen Strategy Faces Reality Check as 2030 Targets Loom

Germany's federal audit office announced on Tuesday that the country's hydrogen strategy is not meeting its 2030 objectives, urging a strategic reassessment to align with domestic green hydrogen production goals. Audit office president Kay Scheller emphasized the need for a 'reality check' in a detailed report.

The report warned that Germany could fail to meet its green hydrogen production targets if the current course remains unchanged, with imports unable to sufficiently cover the shortfall. Additionally, the high cost of green hydrogen and the burden of ongoing subsidies were highlighted as potential threats to the federal budget.

Seen as a crucial component in moving towards a lower-carbon economy, hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity holds significant potential. However, substantial efforts are needed to adjust the strategy to ensure both supply and demand requirements are met effectively.