Current Legislative Framework for Green Hydrogen Production by Electrolysis Plants in Germany

Abstract

(1) The German energy system transformation towards an entirely renewable supply is expected to incorporate the extensive use of green hydrogen. This carbon-free fuel allows the decarbonization of end-use sectors such as industrial high-temperature processes or heavy-duty transport that remain challenging to be covered by green electricity only. However, it remains unclear whether the current legislative framework supports green hydrogen production or is an obstacle to its rollout. (2) This work analyzes the relevant laws and ordinances regarding their implications on potential hydrogen production plant operators. (3) Due to unbundling-related constraints, potential operators from the group of electricity transport system and distribution system operators face lacking permission to operate production plants. Moreover, ownership remains forbidden for them. The same applies to natural gas transport system operators. The case is less clear for natural gas distribution system operators, where explicit regulation is missing. (4) It is finally analyzed if the production of green hydrogen is currently supported in competition with fossil hydrogen production, not only by the legal framework but also by the National Hydrogen Strategy and the Amendment of the Renewable Energies Act. It can be concluded that in recent amendments of German energy legislation, regulatory support for green hydrogen in Germany was found. The latest legislation has clarified crucial points concerning the ownership and operation of electrolyzers and the treatment of green hydrogen as a renewable energy carrier.

Economic-Comparative Study for Carbon Neutrality During Ships Docking and in Port Operations: A Path Towards Maritime Sector Decarbonization

“…The first solution involves changing the feeding fuel (diesel instead of HFO) but not the power system; the second as well as the third solution instead, imply replacing the power system with an electric motor supplied by electricity form hydrogen-based fuel cells. In particular, the Yellow hydrogen (H2) (produced by electrolysis using grid electricity) and Green hydrogen (H2) (produced by electrolysis using electricity supplied by the PV plant) have been considered [11]. For these solutions, the "Well-to-Waves" (WTW) method has been carried out for estimating and comparing the CO2eq and greenhouse gas (GHG) and pollutant (NOx).…”

Exploring possible transition ways for the use of hydrogen as an energy source in the Brazilian Electric Power Sector

“…(3.85TWh) of current demand is provided by green hydrogen from electrolysis and The Energy Industry Act (EnWG 2021) (RINGSGWANDL et al, 2022). The EEG objective the development of renewable sources (RES), containing definition for green hydrogen and support schemes for the called EEG surcharge, which directly affects the electricity price paid consumers, also affect the cost of electricity used for green hydrogen production (RINGSGWANDL et al, 2022).…”

“…The EnWG provides an overall framework for a functioning and competitive energy market, regulating the operation of energy networks (electricity and gas) and the tasks of transmission and distribution system operators (TSOs and DSOs) (RINGSGWANDL et al, 2022). The amendment of the EnWG 2021 regarding to the hydrogen network regulation was based on the following approaches: Opt-in regulation of hydrogen networks and vertical unbundling (HRITSYSHYNA; HUTAREVYCH, 2021).…”

“…Choosing the opt-in regulation, the hydrogen infrastructure must comply with the rules of legal unbundling which means independence from production, storage, and supply of green hydrogen, also implicating in accounting unbundling and no-discriminatory access to the grid for third parties (CLIFFORD CHANCE, 2021;HRITSYSHYNA;HUTAREVYCH, 2021;RINGSGWANDL et al, 2022). The application of new regulations will only apply to networks solely used for the transport of hydrogen, in situations where hydrogen is injected into natural gas pipelines (blending), which is already possible under certain circumstances, the existing regulation apply to natural gas networks (CLIFFORD CHANCE, 2021;HRITSYSHYNA;HUTAREVYCH, 2021).…”

“…that only hydrogen produced from renewable energy is sustainable in the long term (FEDERAL MINISTRY FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRSAND ENERGY, 2020;RINGSGWANDL et al, 2022). The strategy shown that the Federal Government expects that around 90 to 110 TWh of hydrogen will be needed by 2030.…”