FNB Gas on the finalization of the Hydrogen Acceleration Act

This week, the Hydrogen Acceleration Act will be finally debated in the German Bundestag. This marks the end of the parliamentary process for a central law for the hydrogen ramp-up in Germany. We see important progress – but also a continued need for action.

We consider it positive that the necessary natural gas boosting measures for the conversion of pipelines have been included in the scope of the law. This strengthens planning security and is a decisive step for the timely implementation of the hydrogen core network.

However, a temporary exemption from public procurement law for procurement processes in the hydrogen sector was not implemented. This means that a key acceleration lever remains unused – especially in the critical ramp-up phase of the infrastructure. We appeal to the legislator to take this issue into account in the deliberations on the draft law to accelerate the awarding of public contracts (Public Procurement Acceleration Act).

In addition, the overriding public interest for pipelines of the hydrogen core network, which is limited in Section 28q EnWG until 2030, should be extended until the implementation of the measures has been completed in order to strengthen their priority in approval and consideration procedures in the authorities.

The law provides important impetus for the development of the hydrogen economy. Now it is important to push ahead with its implementation quickly and in a practical manner.