Germany in the competition: Role of imported hydrogen in energy supply

Germany in the competition: Role of imported hydrogen in energy supply

VDI director Adrian Willig: The focus is on German hydrogen production

The German energy supply will continue to rely on imported hydrogen in the long term. The Association of German Engineers (VDI) welcomes the Federal Government's hydrogen import strategy and emphasizes the importance of important signals to industry and future partner countries. However, it is important in the implementation of this strategy that Germany can act quickly and flexibly in international competition. In the first years of import, we will not be able to rely solely on green hydrogen due to the limited international availability and national needs. VDI director Adrian Willig explains: "Derivats will also play a central role in promoting a hydrogen economy."

When implementing the national hydrogen import strategy, certain points are particularly important from the VDI's point of view:

• A faster and flexible start of the hydrogen import
• a balance between limited international availability and a large national needs
• considering derivatives as an important component of the hydrogen economy

The VDI sees itself as a designer of the future and has been committed to technical progress for over 165 years. The association is an influential player in the field of engineering and acts as an intermediary between technology, science, business and politics. With around 130,000 members, the VDI bundles knowledge and skills to shape the way into the future and to secure progress and prosperity in Germany. As an interface between different actors, the VDI is an important link in multidisciplinary cooperation.

German hydrogen production is now the focus of the discussions and measures. The import strategy is intended to ensure that Germany can continue to ensure a stable energy supply in the future. It is of great importance that hydrogen production is also promoted and expanded on site to achieve a balanced energy supply.

The discussion about hydrogen as an energy source is part of a global trend. More and more countries are relying on this clean energy source to reduce their CO2 emissions and tackle climate change. Germany as a pioneer in the technology and environmental industry can play an important role here. The use of hydrogen not only makes energy supply more sustainable, but also new opportunities for mobility and industrial processes open up.

It remains to be seen how hydrogen production and import strategy will develop in Germany. The VDI will continue to actively work for technical progress and promote a sustainable hydrogen economy.