NGOs and Industry Push for Green Hydrogen Conversion of Gas Power Plants in Germany
Key Ideas
  • NGOs and industry urge the German government to convert new gas-fired power plants to operate on green hydrogen for industry growth and decarbonisation.
  • The alliance proposes a decarbonisation pathway with transparent targets and minimal new power plant buildout through state support auctions.
  • Previous plans to switch gas power plant capacity to hydrogen were stalled, but the new government aims to build 20 gigawatts of gas power by 2030.
  • Germany is in discussions with the EU on state aid conditions for new power plants, including potential hydrogen-ready requirements.
A collaboration between environmental NGOs and hydrogen industry players in Germany is advocating for the conversion of new gas-fired power plants to run on green hydrogen. The group highlights the benefits of such a shift, including boosting the hydrogen sector, strengthening the industry, and facilitating the decarbonisation of the electricity supply. They recommend that the government utilize upcoming auctions for state support for the new power stations to establish a binding decarbonisation pathway with clear targets for transitioning to green hydrogen. It is suggested that auctions initially focus on a 'no-regret minimum' of capacity to avoid an excessive buildout of new power plants. While a previous government had considered transitioning parts of gas power plant capacity to hydrogen after years of operation, final decisions were not reached. The current government's goal is to have up to 20 gigawatts of gas power plants by 2030, although specific hydrogen-ready requirements have not been outlined yet. Germany is engaging in conversations with the European Commission to address the conditions for providing state aid to new power plants, potentially including criteria related to hydrogen readiness.
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