German national regulatory framework for hydrogen is taking shape!

While many member states have prepared and published hydrogen or are in the process of doing so, Germany has developed to the frontrunner of this goal. There is already a concrete legislative proposal for a regulatory framework under discussion.

Overall objective: Creation of a framework for a quick and legally secure, step-by-step realization of a national H2 network infrastructure through an amendment to the EnWG (transitionally until there is an EU set of rules that meets this goal)

Central cornerstones:

• The definition of ‘energy’ is expanded to include H2 (H2 becomes the third energy carrier alongside electricity and gas)
• Definition of H2 network and its operator (this does not include blending of H2 into the gas network which is possible anyway on the basis of existing gas regulations within the scope of technical limits)
• Opt-in option for operators of H2 networks into the regulation (subject to a positive demand assessment)
• Non-discriminatory access to regulated H2 networks with cost-regulated tariffs
• Unbundling: regulated operators of H2 networks are not allowed to operate H2 storage systems or generation plants for H2; Operation of H2 networks completely separate from natural gas networks
• Explicit, simplified process for repurposing of natural gas to hydrogen networks
• First hydrogen network planning due in 2022; parallel to gas

Parliamentary deliberations apparently in March. It remains exciting.