(Berlin) - The Federal Council is calling for “an ambitious legal framework” for a sustainable hydrogen economy. The federal government should initiate the adaptation of a regulatory framework for hydrogen networks in the short term during this legislative period.
Fundamental reform in the energy sector
The state chamber is in favor of a fundamental reform of the levy, tax and contribution system in the energy sector. This must be further developed systematically, in a way that is friendly to sector coupling, decarbonization-oriented and open to technology. This also includes the gradual reduction of the EEG levy for hydrogen electrolysis plants. The levy exemption for green hydrogen must “take place immediately in order to provide an economic incentive”.
The Federal Council also calls on the Federal Government to create the conditions for the implementation of projects for the production, use, transport and import of hydrogen in a timely manner. The further development of gas storage is particularly important. Cross-border trade in renewable gas qualities requires harmonized standards for products, certification, guarantees of origin and technical standard requirements - this is the only way it will be possible to provide the required quantities of green hydrogen in the future.
European classification
A clear classification and certification of green hydrogen and derivative products such as green methanol is also necessary at the European level in order to create a common market. To this end, the European legal framework must be adapted.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of green hydrogen for aviation and shipping. In order to avoid competitive disadvantages for the German aviation industry, European and international solutions are needed for an admixture quota of so-called green kerosene. It should be examined whether other market and introduction models are also effective.
The decision lies with the federal government
The resolution was forwarded to the federal government. This decides whether and when to implement the Federal Council's demands. There are no fixed deadlines for this.
This was preceded by an initiative by the states of Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in October, whose draft resolution was modified in the Federal Council committees (we reported).
deep link
https://www.bundesrat.de/SharedDocs/drucksachen/2020/0601-0700/647-20(B).pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=1
process
https://www.bundesrat.de/SharedDocs/beratungsvorgaenge/2020/0601-0700/0647-20.html
Photos
The Federal Council is calling on the government to provide a legal framework for the hydrogen economy / © Federal Council, Frank Bräuer
