German industry calls for faster introduction of hydrogen fuel

China Petrochemical News Network reported on May 27, 2021, according to Electric Power News, after the German government advanced its net zero emission target to 2045, German industrial leaders called on the government to speed up the introduction of hydrogen fuel projects.

One year has passed since the launch of Germany’s 5 GW national hydrogen strategy.

Many projects are seeking to be designated as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), thereby clearing the way for state funding.

Although IPCEI's recognition is undoubtedly important, industry leaders also took this opportunity to express their concerns about policies.

Martin Brudermüller, chief executive of German chemical giant BASF, called for reforms in energy taxation to help projects, including its 50-megawatt electrolyzer in Ludwigshafen.

Wolfgang Langhoff, chairman of BP Europe, called for a more pragmatic approach, allowing electrolysis equipment to operate more than the current 5,000 hours per year.

Langhoff said: "The market is created by demand, and refineries are ready to increase green hydrogen.

Li Jun compiled from Electric Power News

The original text is as follows:

    German industry calls for faster hydrogen rollout as tighter climate targets loom

    German industry leaders have called for a faster rollout of hydrogen projects after the government brought forward a net-zero target to 2045.

    A year on from the launch of Germany's 5-GW national hydrogen strategy, and industry executives have been showcasing some of the 200-odd projects at Handelsblatt's German hydrogen summit ending May 27.

    Many of the projects are seeking designation as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), clearing the way for state aid.

    While IPCEI recognition is clearly important, industry leaders also took the opportunity to air concerns on the policy front.

    Martin Brudermueller, CEO of chemicals firm BASF, called for reform of energy taxation to help projects, including its own 50-MW electrolyzer at Ludwigshafen.

    BP Europe chairman Wolfgang Langhoff called for more pragmatism allowing higher annual run-time hours for electrolyzers than the 5,000 hours currently set by regulation green hydrogen as exempt from the EEG levy approved May 19.

    "Markets are created by demand with refineries well placed for a ramp-up of green hydrogen," the BP Europe chairman said flagging two projects to supply hydrogen to its refineries at Lingen and Gelsenkirchen set to start 2024 and scalable from initial 50 MW (project with Orsted) and 100 MW (GETH2) respectively.