• German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE) endorses draft hydrogen law but urges reinstatement of 80% renewable electricity requirement for electrolysers.

• Additional improvements suggested to strengthen guaranteed offtake and include biogenic hydrogen.

The German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE) has positively responded to the recently proposed Hydrogen Acceleration Act (WassBG), intended to expedite permitting processes across Germany's hydrogen value chain. However, the industry group strongly recommends reinstating the requirement that electrolysers source at least 80% of their electricity from renewable energy to encourage system-friendly behavior.

The draft law, aiming to simplify and digitize permitting procedures, classifies hydrogen projects as being of overriding public interest, thus accelerating their implementation. BEE particularly praised this aspect, noting it would significantly benefit domestically produced green hydrogen and associated infrastructure.

“Accelerating permits is one thing. Making projects truly take off through guaranteed offtake is another,” stated BEE President Simone Peter, underscoring the need for additional measures such as quotas or established lead markets to secure hydrogen demand.

Furthermore, BEE emphasized the inclusion of biogenic hydrogen within the law's scope, alongside infrastructure for biomethane integration into the gas grid, suggesting these enhancements would provide further support for Germany’s hydrogen economy.

With these recommendations, BEE seeks to optimize the WassBG's effectiveness, ensuring a robust and sustainable ramp-up of the green hydrogen market, aligning with Germany’s broader energy transition goals.

https://www.bee-ev.de/