At the end of July 2024, the German government published its long-awaited hydrogen import strategy – at least that is what the document’s official title suggests. However, strategic pronouncements are virtually nowhere to be found. The mechanical engineering association VDMA calls it, appropriately, a “good summary.” For anyone who wants to gain an overview of the regulations, funding and initiatives that are relevant for the import of H2 to Germany, the 38-page “import strategy” offers a comprehensive roundup. Nevertheless, on the positive side, it’s worth noting that many strategic decisions have already been taken and are now reflected in the official import strategy, for instance the plans for the core hydrogen network.

According to a report by the European Court of Auditors (see p. 10), Germany is also the only EU member state that actually has an import strategy for hydrogen. Assuming that Germany will need between 95 and 130 terawatt-hours of hydrogen and derivatives by 2030, of which 50 to 70 percent is to be sourced from abroad, this is indeed good news.