EU Opens Hydrogen Mechanism Buyer Registration as Germany Lags Electrolysis Targets

The European Commission has opened the buyer registration phase for its Hydrogen Mechanism, enabling European offtakers to express interest in renewable and low-carbon hydrogen supplies. The registration period extends until March 20, 2026, through the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform, which facilitates connections between hydrogen and derivative buyers and suppliers across sectors including ammonia, methanol, eMethane, and sustainable aviation fuel. More than 260 supply projects submitted offers between November 2025 and early January 2026.

The Commission approved a €200 million German funding scheme to support renewable hydrogen production and derivative manufacturing in Canada, targeting up to 300 MW of new electrolysis capacity through a competitive bidding process concluding in 2027.

Germany's domestic electrolysis rollout continues to underperform official targets. The Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne reported 181 MW of installed capacity currently operating, with an additional 1.3 GW under construction or having reached final investment decision. This trajectory places Germany on track to achieve only 1.5 GW by end-2027, significantly below the 10 GW target for 2030.

In related developments, Lhyfe projects a 70% capacity increase in 2026 across its four renewable hydrogen production sites (currently 21 MW across France and Germany), while BKW acquired a 40% stake in a planned hydrogen-ready gas-fired power plant in North Rhine-Westphalia. Honda announced plans to discontinue current fuel cell system production by end-2026 from its joint venture with General Motors, transitioning to next-generation systems.

Originally reported by PV Magazine. Read the full article →