German government signs off on hydrogen import strategy

Germany's government adopted a strategy for the import of hydrogen to help secure sustainable energy supply as it embarks on creating fossil fuel alternatives for large parts of its industry. Hydrogen, provided it is green, so produced in an electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, can help the transition to a lower carbon economy.

The strategy maps out how and from where Germany will import hydrogen, where transport and value chains are built in ports and pipeline systems, how trade is to be organized and certified. It is meant to be a signal to potential suppliers that their offers are welcome. "The import strategy is a major building block of Germany's hydrogen policy and complements the involvement of the government in the domestic market ramp-up," a statement from the Economy Ministry said.