Germany's Green Hydrogen Import Strategy: A Path to Climate Neutrality
Key Ideas
- Germany plans to import up to 100 TWh of green hydrogen by the mid-2030s to cover 11.2% of its energy demand, primarily targeting industrial sectors like steel and chemicals.
- The country's strategy emphasizes reducing greenhouse emissions and decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels through the use of green hydrogen produced from solar and wind power.
- By 2030, Germany aims to produce 11 TWh of domestic hydrogen while importing 17 TWh of green hydrogen and 15 TWh of blue hydrogen, but this will still fall short of meeting the projected total demand.
- The study highlights the importance of secure and cost-effective renewable hydrogen supply, with proposed pipeline corridors connecting Germany to neighbouring countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
A study conducted by the Berlin-based Agora Energiewende and Agora Industry think-tanks suggests that Germany is considering importing up to 100 TWh of green hydrogen from neighbouring countries by the mid-2030s. This move is part of Germany's strategy to expand the use of hydrogen as an energy source, aiming to reduce greenhouse emissions in sectors like steel and chemicals and decrease the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, produced from solar and wind power, is a key component of Germany's planned energy transition. Currently, Germany generates about 55-60 TWh of hydrogen annually, mostly from fossil fuels. To meet its future hydrogen demands, Germany plans to produce 11 TWh domestically by 2030 and import additional green and blue hydrogen. Simon Mueller from Agora Energiewende stresses the importance of securing a reliable and cost-effective supply of renewable hydrogen through pipeline imports from Europe. The study identifies potential hydrogen pipeline corridors, highlighting the significance of agreements on cost-sharing and the need for assurances to meet the growing hydrogen demand. Promising pipeline routes include connections from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and potentially Southern Europe, North Africa, the United Kingdom, and other countries. The envisioned pipeline network aims to support Germany's shift towards climate neutrality and sustainable energy practices.
Topics
Green Hydrogen
Energy Transition
Pipeline Infrastructure
Renewable Resources
Climate Neutrality
Greenhouse Emissions
Import Dependency
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