Germany’s EnBW to invest €1 billion in hydrogen network

Germany

KARLSRUHE, July 23, 2024 – German utility EnBW said on Tuesday it will invest around EUR 1 billion in the nation’s hydrogen network, calling the move an “important first step into a future hydrogen economy.”

The country’s hydrogen network, slated to begin commercial operations in 2032, will move both imported and locally produced hydrogen.

The network will in future be integrated with the greater European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB), an interconnection initiative of 33 infrastructure operators.

“The hydrogen core network represents the first step into the hydrogen economy of the future, establishing the basis for the complete decarbonisation of the German economy and the achievement of climate targets,” Dirk Güsewell, EnBW’s board member for system critical infrastructure, said.

Germany is expected to import around 70% of its hydrogen needs in the future, as it lacks the land required to develop large-scale renewables installations.

Last month, the governments of Germany and of Morocco announced the formation of an alliance to support the development of renewable energies and green hydrogen. The deal will give Germany access to Morocco’s expanding hydrogen production, allowing it to step up imports of the fuel.

Germany targets a net-zero economy by 2045 and net-negative emissions by 2050.