In view of the climate crisis, an energy transition is indispensable. As part of this energy transition, hydrogen is currently in high demand in German and European transformation plans. The German government adopted a National Hydrogen Strategy (NWS) in 2020. The goal is to build a hydrogen economy as a pillar of the energy transition. However, Germany's foreseeable high hydrogen demand can only be provided domestically to a very limited extent. Germany is therefore seeking hydrogen cooperation with countries on all continents in order to import large quantities.
There are dangers such as a threat to the energy supply and energy transition in the exporting countries, increased water shortages, especially in the course of the climate crisis, land grabbing and violation of indigenous rights and land rights, as well as profit accumulation in the hands of a few. This could exacerbate injustices and ecological and social burdens. Also, green hydrogen is not automatically 100. % climate neutral. In addition, there is a large gap between planned, realistic expansion and the required capacities of renewable energy. This could lead to fossil lock-ins if hydrogen continues to be produced with gas or coal energy due to a lack of renewable energy.
Therefore: Hydrogen must be produced 100 percent from renewable energies and used specifically in sectors where there is no more sustainable alternative. In this case:
production and trading conditions must be fair and accountable. Further criteria on how hydrogen should be used and which social-ecological standards are relevant are mentioned in this publication.
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