Hydrogen strategy in crisis: Barke calls for quick action!

Hydrogen strategy in crisis: Barke calls for quick action!

The most recent meeting of the Conference of Energy Ministers took place in Stralsund on December 8, 2025, where the federal states once again exchanged views on key challenges. The topics of security of supply, network expansion, electricity prices and the hydrogen strategy were discussed intensively. Among those present was Saarland's Economics Minister Jürgen Barke, who made clear demands in his speech: He called for a faster expansion of the hydrogen ramp-up and a reduction in electricity prices by at least five cents per kilowatt hour. The Saarland steel industry relies heavily on hydrogen, which underlines the urgency of its concerns. The Ministerial Conference meets twice a year to present a unified voice to the federal government. WNDN reports that...

But the challenges should not be underestimated. In a critical special report on the National Hydrogen Strategy, the Federal Audit Office pointed out three key weaknesses. This includes an unrealistic need for hydrogen, which is expected to be far higher than can be produced within Germany in order to achieve the climate goals by 2030. The necessary imports could shake the strategy. The high costs of green hydrogen compared to natural gas also represent a significant obstacle. And last but not least, setting up a hydrogen network could cost up to 24 billion euros without the actual need being clear. According to the Federal Audit Office...

The hydrogen strategy and its hurdles

The hydrogen strategy plays a key role in the German energy transition, as Germany wants to become climate neutral by 2045. Hydrogen is intended to replace fossil fuels, especially in areas where direct use of renewable electricity is not possible. However, it is becoming clear that the ramp-up of supply, demand and infrastructure must be precisely coordinated - without putting undue strain on the federal budget. Two thirds of the hydrogen core network should be available by 2030, but realistically, the goals are more than ambitious.

Planned industrial applications are being delayed and private investments in the hydrogen economy are falling short of expectations. Permanent state funding could also endanger the stability of federal finances. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy recognizes the need for action, but the proposed measures are viewed as inadequate.

Political contradictions and future prospects

Another point that Barke addressed in his speech is the demand for the approval of all hydrogen colors. While he wants to promote the expansion of the hydrogen economy, he remains outside the contentious issue of nuclear power, which is important for the steel industry. The EU directive RED III also requires that at least 42% of the hydrogen used must be green by 2030.

Barke's desire to reduce electricity prices is particularly interesting since the SPD has shut down nuclear power plants in the past, which has led to higher prices. The federal government is calling for some consideration here, especially with regard to planned subsidies of over 30 billion euros to combat high electricity prices in 2026. In a political environment that is strongly in favor of the expansion of renewable energies, Barke's position could well contradict his party's core goals.

The coming months will show whether the federal government will succeed in developing a viable strategy for hydrogen use while at the same time laying the foundations for a sustainable energy economy. The challenges are great, and without a clear plan, the dream of climate neutrality by 2045 could become a distant dream. It remains to be seen whether the hydrogen economy will be able to ramp up successfully.