STRALSUND (dpa-AFX) – The energy ministers of Germany's federal states view the accelerated development of the hydrogen economy as a central pillar in achieving climate neutrality by 2045. Hydrogen is becoming an increasingly important energy carrier and raw material, said Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Economy Minister Wolfgang Blank (independent) at the close of the three-day Energy Ministers' Conference in Stralsund. The ministers agreed that more regulations are needed to facilitate the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
Hydrogen is regarded as an alternative to fossil fuels, making it a crucial element in the energy transition and climate protection efforts. “Green hydrogen” is produced by electrolyzing water using electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
“The ramp-up of hydrogen in Germany is stalling. It is essential to quickly establish the necessary framework conditions so that obstacles can be removed and measures accelerated, in order not to lose ground internationally,” the conference resolution stated.
Schleswig-Holstein's Minister for Energy Transition and Climate Protection, Tobias Goldschmidt (Greens), criticized what he described as somewhat “erratic” policy actions by the federal government regarding energy.
“Complacency” in Energy Policy
“We have to recognize that about a quarter of the federal legislative period has already passed, and yet it is still apparent that preparations are ongoing and a certain complacency has crept into Berlin's energy policy,” he said. This, he added, has led to considerable uncertainty throughout the country.
The Energy Ministers' Conference stands behind “green hydrogen,” Goldschmidt continued. The principle of a “Green Lead Market” is particularly important, he said. This involves ensuring that public procurement and contracts prioritize the use of “green hydrogen,” thereby creating demand. Furthermore, new gas-fired power plants must always be “hydrogen-ready,” meaning they can be quickly converted for hydrogen use./hr/DP/mis
