The Future of Green Hydrogen Imports in Germany

Germany is on the path to covering up to 100 terawatt-hours (TWh) of its annual energy needs with imports of green hydrogen via pipelines from neighboring countries by the mid-2030s, as revealed in a recent study. This move aims to address the country’s significant demand for energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in highly polluting industrial sectors.

Green hydrogen, produced using solar and wind power, is a key component of Germany’s energy transition strategy. The study conducted by Berlin-based Agora Energiewende and Agora Industry think tanks predicts that by 2035, hydrogen could account for 11.2% of the country’s projected 894 TWh total energy demand.

However, Germany currently lacks the renewable energy resources to meet this demand domestically, necessitating the import of around 50% to 70% of its required hydrogen. Presently, the country relies on fossil fuels for almost all of its hydrogen production, consuming around 55-60 TWh annually.

By 2030, Germany aims to produce 11 TWh of hydrogen domestically while importing 17 TWh of green and 15 TWh of blue hydrogen (produced from natural gas) via pipelines. This would only cover a portion of the total projected demand of 95 TWh to 130 TWh by the end of the decade, necessitating further imports.

To facilitate these imports, Germany plans to leverage existing natural gas infrastructure in Europe, enabling pipeline imports to reach between 60 TWh and 100 TWh by 2035. Simon Mueller, Director of Agora Energiewende, emphasized the role of pipeline imports in achieving climate neutrality and emphasized the need for a secure and cost-effective supply of renewable hydrogen.

The study identified potential hydrogen pipeline corridors, including imports from Denmark and Norway via the North Sea and potentially from Sweden and Finland via the Baltic Sea in the future. Additionally, long-term plans involve pipelines from Southern Europe, North Africa, and other European countries.

To realize these ambitious import targets, Germany must establish a solid financing model and expedite agreements on cost-sharing among involved countries. Providing assurances to hydrogen producers and pipeline operators regarding future demand is also crucial for the success of this initiative.

Overall, the future of green hydrogen imports in Germany represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy goals and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By embracing innovative solutions and collaboration with neighboring countries, Germany is poised to lead the way in the transition to a greener energy future.