While publications and funding programs assume competitive production of green H2, the reality looks different. Although promising potentials along the value chain can be identified, it is not yet possible to achieve eco-nomic viability or sufficient market maturity.

There are application areas within the mobility and building sector where H2 will foreseeably be without real economic opportunities. In such fields, fewer resources should be invested in publicly funded R&D and the government should deploy funding in a more targeted manner.

Media too often portrays H2 – in all its colorful schemes – in a clearly climate-neutral light. This is not the case, especially when considering the entire value chain. Efforts to achieve mutual agreements and standards at the European level are needed to immediately reduce emissions.

Following the shutdown of German nuclear power and coal, Germany faces a major challenge in providing sufficient sustainable electricity. As a consequence, we will be more dependent on imports from sun-rich countries of southern Europe and the MENA region.

Subsidies from Germany and the EU suggest future-proof investments into a secure growth area for companies of all sizes. Looking at the international competition, this is not the case. To succeed globally, a critical size, a strategic approach, and staying power are needed.