North Rhine-Westphalia takes steps to speed up hydrogen ramp-up

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest steel and chemical hub, has unveiled steps to accelerate the hydrogen ramp-up as the federal state projects that its hydrogen use will reach 127 to 177 TWh by 2045 and account for about 30% of Germany's total demand.

The state's economy ministry on Thursday presented a plan that outlines specific strategies for advancing the future of hydrogen by addressing market transparency, fostering acceptance, and promoting production sites.

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The paper includes nine points aimed at developing hydrogen import chains for North Rhine-Westphalia; bringing more transparency to the hydrogen market through a hydrogen price monitor for mid-size, the so-called Mittelstand, companies and using revenues from emissions trading for additional hydrogen auctions in order to bring hydrogen to the Mittelstand.

The nine-point plan further includes suggestions aimed at implementing industry quota for green hydrogen in the state; creating reliable framework conditions for hydrogen in mobility; accelerating approval procedures for hydrogen infrastructures by defining hydrogen plants as being in the overriding public interest and setting up a funding programme with the help of European funds to build up production capacities for hydrogen technologies.

The paper is also aimed at creating investment security by defining green lead markets and exploiting the potential of public procurement as well as strengthening communication and transparency during the hydrogen ramp-up.

Commenting on the paper, state economy minister Mona Neubaur said: "The ramp-up of the hydrogen economy has been prepared for several years by a broad coalition of stakeholders. Now, we must initiate a new phase, transitioning from preparation to action. It is crucial to ensure that plants built in the coming years can operate economically, that future infrastructures are fully utilised, and that we can meet the steadily growing demand. We must move from prototypes to series production—ideally, made in Europe."

The state is also home to two IPCEI hydrogen projects. In July, Neubaur handed over funding notices of EUR 178 million and EUR 196 million to the GreenMotionSteel and GET H2 projects, respectively. The first one concerns the construction of a 120 MW electrolysis plant in the Marl Chemical Park while the second one is aimed at establishing hydrogen pipelines and a hydrogen cavern storage facility.

North Rhine-Westphalia, expected to become the federal state with the highest hydrogen demand in Germany, has also developed a concept for hydrogen imports to meet its needs. With more than 90% of its hydrogen demand likely to be met through imports, the state expects an annual import requirement of hydrogen and derivatives ranging from 14 to 27 TWh by 2030. The primary drivers of this demand are the steel and chemical industries, the glass industry, and heavy-duty transport. Initial concrete projects in these sectors are already underway.

With the Port of Duisburg and its proximity to the ports of Antwerp-Bruges, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, the state is among the first regions in Europe to be connected to a cross-border hydrogen pipeline network by 2027 through the GET H2 project.