EWE boss: EU rules endanger hydrogen future in Emden!

EWE boss: EU rules endanger hydrogen future in Emden!

The future of the hydrogen economy in Germany could be on the brink in the coming years, if not reliable framework conditions will be created soon. EWE boss Stefan Dohler demands from the federal government to ensure clear legislation regarding hydrogen production and a strong representation in Brussels. "We want to know where we are at the latest next year," he said recently. EWE is massively investing in Emden and plans to build the largest hydrogen production system in Germany with an impressive 320 megawatt electrolyser. But there are challenges: According to Dohler, EU requirements for electricity use can increase production costs by up to 50 percent. These additional costs not only burden the company, but could also endanger the entire hydrogen economy in Germany, as reported [n-tv.de] (https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/niedersachsen-und-bremen/ewe-chef-eu-- Hydrogen-Production-unnoetig-Article25912021.html).

In this critical phase, EWE plans to increase hydrogen production to an amount of 1 billion kWh per year by 2028, which is particularly important for industry and heavy goods traffic. For this purpose, the total investment in Emden is calculated to over 500 million euros, and further 300 million euros are planned for the transport and storage of the hydrogen. The compressors for the electrolyser are delivered by Neuman & Esser, who were already involved in an H2 memory project in Huntorf in March. This massive state support enables EWE to promote hydrogen production while further projects are checked to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels.

EU requirements and their effects

The EU has set strict requirements for electricity use for electrolysers, the central challenge remains the guarantee of green energy. EWE therefore calls for an adjustment of these requirements by the federal government. The new Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche has expressed similar concerns and criticized the fact that the strict regulations conflict with the growth of the hydrogen economy. She warns a discussion about the necessary adjustments. A spokesman for the Ministry of Energy in Hanover recommended that you revise the current criteria for the electricity reference or at least postpone to 2035 so as not to hinder the growth of the industry.

In addition to the challenges of EU regulations, there are falling opportunities for companies to meet voluntary targets to increase the proportion of green hydrogen. According to [ffe.de] (https://www.ffe.de/veroeffungs/mindeste- fuer-gruenen-gruenen-hydrogen-in-der-der-den-den-den-Red-III/), a mandatory regulation could mean that companies have to obtain at least 42 percent by 2030 and even 60 percent of their hydrogen from renewable sources. It could be difficult for the chemical and steel industry to keep their international competitiveness, while companies outside the EU could achieve great advantages through lower costs. Such obstacles not only question the production of the companies, but also the entire Transformation to climate neutrality in Europe.

The perspective for the hydrogen economy

The events in the hydrogen economy remains exciting, and all eyes are aimed at the upcoming decisions of the federal government. If it is not possible to improve the framework conditions and reduce the additional costs, the risk assessment in industry could have serious consequences.