Germany: recent hydrogen policy developments

Directive (EU) 2023/2413, the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), published in November 20, 2023, sets targets for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) for the first time, including green hydrogen. Starting in 2030, a minimum of 1% of the renewable energy provided to the transport sector must come from RFNBOs, as part of a broader 5.5% target for advanced fuels. Germany and other EU Member States (MS) are expected to transpose the RED III into national law by May 21, 2025.

In Germany, green hydrogen is viewed as a cornerstone of the energy transition, but the hydrogen department within the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMDV) was dissolved in February. The BMDV has frozen funding for hydrog