The NHC emphasises the need to consider climate protection, industrial policy and security of supply together. Pragmatic and flexible approaches are particularly important in the start-up phase of the hydrogen market so that the market ramp-up is not hampered by overly complex and, in some cases, unnecessary or counterproductive regulations. The framework conditions for all parts of the value chain must be significantly simplified in order to remove barriers to market entry and enable investment.
A key element is the rapid expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure – from transport and storage to import terminals. This is the only way to make hydrogen available economically and safely. For the market ramp-up to be successful, it is also crucial that hydrogen and its derivatives are available as tradable commodities on liquid markets. This requires reliable supply and demand structures and international certification systems.
The NHC concludes by calling on policymakers to set the course for a successful hydrogen economy now – through a holistic approach with clear target models, planning security, the provision of the necessary funding and a coherent mix of policy measures and investments that involve both public and private stakeholders.
The National Hydrogen Council (Nationale Wasserstoffrat)
With the adoption of the National Hydrogen Strategy, the German government established the National Hydrogen Council on 10 June 2020. The Council consists of 26 high-level experts from business, science and civil society who are not part of the public administration. The members of the Hydrogen Council have expertise in the areas of production, research and innovation, decarbonisation of industry, transport and building/heating, infrastructure, international partnerships, as well as climate and sustainability. The National Hydrogen Council is chaired by Dr Felix Chr. Matthes.
The task of the National Hydrogen Council is to advise and support the State Secretary’s Committee for Hydrogen (Staatssekretärsausschuss für Wasserstoff) with proposals and recommendations for action in the implementation and further development of the Hydrogen Strategy.
