Sustainability Dimensions of Hydrogen Imports: A Global Perspective
Key Ideas
  • Germany aims to import 'green' hydrogen to meet its energy and climate goals, requiring 95 to 130 TWh annually by 2030, with a focus on sustainability.
  • A meta-study by Oeko-Institut explores nine sustainability dimensions for hydrogen production, emphasizing factors like water access and local economic participation.
  • The study highlights the need for analyzing socio-economic aspects and suggests utilizing existing instruments to ensure sustainable cooperation with producing countries.
  • Efforts should prioritize dialogue and engagement with local stakeholders to foster effective and sustainable partnerships in hydrogen production and imports.
The German government has established an import strategy for hydrogen, aiming to meet between 95 and 130 terawatt hours (TWh) of hydrogen and derivatives annually by 2030, predominantly through imports. The focus is on 'green' hydrogen, emphasizing sustainability in achieving energy and climate targets. A recent meta-study conducted by Oeko-Institut, funded by The Amber Foundation, delves into the sustainability dimensions of hydrogen production in Global South countries, proposing a broadened perspective beyond simply 'green' hydrogen production from renewable sources. The study identifies nine key sustainability dimensions, including access to water and land resources, and local economic engagement. It underlines the necessity of scrutinizing socio-economic factors like land use rights and local stakeholder involvement, aspects that have not been thoroughly analyzed to date. Susanne Krieger, a research assistant at Oeko-Institut, highlights the array of available instruments to integrate sustainability dimensions into hydrogen production. She emphasizes the importance of dialogue and collaboration with local stakeholders in producer countries to forge sustainable partnerships. The study advocates for a holistic approach to assessing the sustainability aspects of hydrogen production, particularly in regions where imports are crucial for meeting demand. By addressing critical dimensions such as water and land usage along with socio-economic factors, the study aims to guide the development of sustainable cooperation models between importing nations like Germany and producing countries in the Global South. Through engaging with local communities and aligning strategies with their needs, the study envisions a pathway towards environmentally and socially responsible hydrogen imports.
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