European Commission Approves €1.3 Billion German Hydrogen Support Scheme

The European Commission has greenlit a €1.3 billion German state aid scheme designed to accelerate renewable hydrogen production, operating under the European Hydrogen Bank's "Auctions-as-a-Service" mechanism. The approval was granted under EU State aid rules.

The initiative aligns with three major EU policy frameworks: the Clean Industrial Deal, aimed at decarbonizing European industry; the REPowerEU Plan, designed to reduce EU dependence on Russian fossil fuels; and the EU Hydrogen Strategy.

The approved scheme will support the construction of up to 1,000 MW of installed electrolyser capacity, enabling production of up to 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen. According to the Commission, this capacity is estimated to prevent approximately 55 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Germany formally notified the Commission of its intention to establish this support mechanism through the European Hydrogen Bank's tool, with the auction closing in 2026.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Europe. Read the full article →