Articles tagged with "Germany"
Germany’s Hydrogen Strategy Delayed Electrification by Pulling the Workforce the Wrong Way - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines Germany’s hydrogen strategy, particularly its focus on developing a hydrogen pipeline infrastructure that currently lacks customers and suppliers. This strategic choice has had significant unintended consequences on Germany’s workforce and training priorities, ultimately delaying the electrification, grid expansion, and renewable energy integration that the country urgently needs. By positioning hydrogen infrastructure as a long-term, regulated national asset, Germany sent strong signals to industry, regulators, and training institutions, prompting substantial investments in hydrogen-specific skills development, certifications, and training centers. For example, a major German gas transmission system operator invested around €10 million in a dedicated hydrogen training facility, reflecting the expectation that hydrogen would be central to the future energy system. While hydrogen-related skills are largely transferable to other industrial contexts, the article highlights the opportunity cost of this focus: finite training time, institutional resources, and career signaling have been disproportionately directed toward hydrogen at the expense of electrification efforts. This shift is problematic because Germany’s current decarbonization bott
energyhydrogenelectrificationrenewable-energyworkforce-developmentenergy-strategyGermanyWhen Steel Outlives Strategy: The Climate Cost of Germany’s Hydrogen Pipeline - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines Germany’s large-diameter pipeline initially built around 2020 for natural gas transmission, which has since been repurposed for hydrogen transport. Originally designed during a period when Germany anticipated prolonged natural gas demand supported by Russian supply, the pipeline now stands pressurized and filled with fossil hydrogen but lacks meaningful suppliers or contracted users. This situation raises concerns about the pipeline’s climate impact, emphasizing that infrastructure does not inherently become climate positive simply by rebranding; it must deliver genuine decarbonization benefits that outweigh the embedded emissions from its materials, construction, and operation. A key focus is the substantial carbon footprint embedded in the pipeline’s steel, which accounts for roughly 320,000 tons of steel—about 1% of Germany’s annual steel demand. Producing this steel emitted between 220,000 and 750,000 tons of CO2 equivalent, with a central estimate around 600,000 to 650,000 tons, representing a significant upfront climate
energyhydrogenpipelinesteelcarbon-emissionsdecarbonizationGermanyGermany Unveils New EV Incentive Plan - CleanTechnica
Germany has introduced a new electric vehicle (EV) incentive program following a sharp decline in EV sales after the abrupt cancellation of previous incentives in December 2023. The new plan, initially scheduled for announcement in January 2026 but delayed due to unresolved details, particularly around plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and extended range EVs (EREVs), sets specific eligibility criteria. PHEVs and EREVs qualify for incentives only if they emit no more than 60 grams of CO2 per kilometer and have an electric range of at least 80 kilometers. This eligibility applies to new registrations from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, after which the government will reassess funding based on real-world emissions to encourage greater electric operation and reduce reliance on gasoline engines. The incentive structure differs from point-of-sale discounts seen in programs like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. Instead, it incorporates income limits and additional bonuses based on household income and the number of
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-incentivesGermanyplug-in-hybridsclimate-protectionautomotive-industryPressurized Steel, Missing Demand: Germany’s Hydrogen Backbone In Energy Flows - CleanTechnica
The article critically examines Germany’s planned national hydrogen pipeline infrastructure, arguing that it is being developed for an energy system that does not require it. The current hydrogen backbone is based on assumptions that hydrogen will serve as a primary energy carrier and maintain commodity industrial uses, rather than focusing on high-value, skilled industries. Analysis of Germany’s 2024 energy flows through Sankey diagrams reveals that hydrogen’s role is marginal at best and potentially an inefficient detour in the transition to a decarbonized energy system. The first Sankey diagram illustrates Germany’s 2024 energy system dominated by fossil fuels, with significant energy losses—over half of the primary energy input is rejected as waste heat, highlighting inefficiencies inherent in combustion and thermal conversion. The second Sankey models a fully electrified, renewables-based future where electricity replaces combustion, drastically reducing energy losses and simplifying the system. In this scenario, hydrogen plays no significant role, as electrification, heat pumps, battery electric vehicles, and electric arc furn
energyhydrogenGermanyrenewable-energydecarbonizationenergy-efficiencysteelmakingSame Length, Different Logic: China’s Industrial Hydrogen Pipeline Versus Germany’s Backbone - CleanTechnica
The article compares China’s existing 1,000 km-plus industrial hydrogen pipeline with Germany’s planned hydrogen backbone, highlighting that despite superficial similarities, the two projects differ fundamentally in purpose, scale, demand anchoring, and risk allocation. Germany’s hydrogen backbone was designed under policy assumptions treating hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier with projected demand across multiple sectors including power generation, industrial heat, transport, and e-fuels. However, these projections were not tied to binding contracts or specific industrial timelines, resulting in a completed initial pipeline segment with no significant customers and costs already embedded in electricity tariffs. Realistic assessments drastically reduce Germany’s hydrogen demand estimates from 110–130 TWh to roughly 4–14 TWh, as sectors like refining, transport, steel production, and power generation shift toward alternatives such as electrification, scrap recycling, and biomethane. In contrast, China’s hydrogen pipeline serves a well-defined industrial purpose, transporting hydrogen primarily used as feedstock in refining, ammonia, methanol,
energyhydrogenindustrial-decarbonizationpipelinesGermanyChinaclean-energy-infrastructure400km Hydrogen Pipeline With No Users Will Raise Germany’s Electricity Prices - CleanTechnica
Germany has completed and pressurized the first approximately 400km segment of its national hydrogen backbone pipeline, making the infrastructure technically ready for operation. However, the project faces a critical issue: there are currently no significant hydrogen suppliers connected nor substantial customers contracted to use the hydrogen. This lack of demand is not a temporary issue but a structural failure, which has broader implications beyond hydrogen policy. The costs of building and maintaining this infrastructure will persist for decades and will ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher electricity prices. The original plan for Germany’s hydrogen backbone envisioned a 9,000km national transmission network designed to support hydrogen demand in the range of 100 to 130 TWh by 2030, serving sectors such as steel, chemicals, transport fuels, power generation, and heavy industry. The strategy was to build the infrastructure first and let supply and demand develop afterward. However, a fundamental analytical error in European hydrogen policy is the use of terawatt-hours (TWh) to measure hydrogen demand
energyhydrogenpipelineGermanyelectricity-pricesinfrastructureclean-energyEVs At 35.2% Share In Germany - Incentives Reboot? - CleanTechnica
In November 2023, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) achieved a 35.2% market share in Germany, a significant increase from 22.8% a year earlier. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 22.2% of sales, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) made up 12.9%. Year-on-year, BEV volumes rose by 59% and PHEVs by 57%, with total auto sales increasing slightly by 2.5% to 250,671 units. Volkswagen dominated the BEV segment, with the ID.7 as the best-selling model, followed by the ID.3 and Skoda Elroq. Notably, the Mercedes CLA and MG S5 showed strong sales growth, climbing the rankings due to their technical appeal and value. Tesla’s Model Y, previously a top seller, fell to 13th place, reflecting shifting consumer preferences. The German government is considering rebooting EV incentives starting sometime in
energyelectric-vehiclesBEVPHEVautomotive-industryGermanyclean-energyEVs Take 33.3% Share In Germany - Skoda Elroq Best-Seller - CleanTechnica
In October 2023, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) captured a significant 33.3% market share in Germany’s auto market, up from 23.6% year-over-year. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 21.0% of sales, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) made up 12.4%. BEV volumes rose by 48%, and PHEVs increased by 60%, contributing to an overall auto market growth of 8% with 250,133 units sold. The Skoda Elroq emerged as the best-selling BEV in October, followed closely by the Volkswagen ID.7 and ID.3. Other notable performers included the Cupra Tavascan and Mercedes CLA, both achieving record sales volumes. The German government is considering reintroducing targeted BEV purchase incentives starting January 2026, aimed at lower-income households with a vehicle price cap of €45,000 and a maximum subsidy of €4,000
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-marketGermanySkoda-ElroqBEVPHEVGermany launches 'world's first' vertical floating solar power plant
Germany has launched the world’s first vertical floating solar power plant at the Jais gravel pit in Bavaria, developed by renewable energy company SINN Power. The plant has an installed capacity of 1.87 megawatts (MW) and is expected to generate about two gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually, enough to power hundreds of households while covering only 4.65% of the lake’s surface. The innovative system features a patented Skipp-Float design with solar panels oriented vertically in an east-west direction, separated by open water corridors to allow light reflection and air circulation. This configuration enhances balanced power generation throughout the day, boosting output during morning and evening hours when traditional solar panels are less efficient. The floating modules are anchored about 1.6 meters below the water surface with a keel-like structure, enabling flexibility with wind and water level changes. The plant connects to the grid via a floating cable and shore-based feed-in point, ensuring smooth energy transfer without disrupting the lake’s
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyfloating-solarclean-energyenergy-efficiencyGermanyGermany Extends EV Tax Credit Through 2035 - CleanTechnica
Germany has announced an extension of its vehicle tax exemption for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to encourage EV adoption, continuing the policy for at least five more years beyond the current end date of January 1, 2026. This extension aims to cover BEVs first registered no later than December 31, 2030, with some reports suggesting the exemption could last until the end of 2035, though there is some discrepancy in sources. The tax exemption, part of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act amendment, is expected to reduce federal tax revenues progressively from €45 million in 2026 to €370 million by 2030. This policy move comes amid challenges facing Germany’s automotive industry, including declining sales, competition from China, the transition to electric mobility, and trade tensions with the US. The extension is seen as a critical incentive to boost EV sales following a sharp decline after the abrupt end of direct financial subsidies in December 2023. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other federal ministers are
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-tax-creditGermanyclean-energye-mobilityautomotive-industryEVs Take 30.6% Share In Germany - Tesla In Freefall - CleanTechnica
In August 2025, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) captured a 30.6% market share in Germany, a significant increase from 20.6% a year earlier. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 19.0% of sales, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) made up 11.6%. Despite this apparent growth, the year-to-date BEV share in 2025 (17.9%) remains slightly below the comparable period in 2023 (18.6%), partly due to distortions from incentive changes and sales pull-forwards in 2023. PHEV sales, benefiting from longer electric ranges, have shown more consistent growth, reaching a 10.1% share year-to-date, up from 6.2% in 2024 and 5.6% in 2023. The arrival of more affordable BEV models is also broadening consumer options. The Volkswagen ID.3 continued as the best
energyelectric-vehiclesBEVPHEVautomotive-marketGermanyclean-energyEVs At 28.6% Share In Germany - IDs Take Top 3 - CleanTechnica
In July 2025, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) in Germany achieved a 28.6% market share, up significantly from 19.1% year-on-year (YoY). Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 18.4% of sales, rising 58% YoY, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) reached 10.3%, growing 84% YoY. Overall auto sales increased by about 11% to 264,802 units. The growth is partly due to a weak baseline in July 2024. Germany’s EV market share now slightly surpasses France’s but remains behind the UK’s. Year-to-date combined EV share stands at 27.8%, with BEVs at 17.8% and PHEVs at 10.0%, showing strong PHEV growth driven by newer models with extended electric range. Combined EV sales have outpaced petrol-only vehicles for most of 2025,
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-marketbattery-electric-vehiclesplug-in-hybridsautomotive-industryGermanyEVs Take 28.4% Share In Germany - BYD Surfs Up - CleanTechnica
In June 2024, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) captured a 28.4% market share in Germany, a significant increase from 19.8% a year earlier. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 18.4% of sales, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) made up 10.0%. This growth was driven primarily by a strong rise in PHEV sales and modest BEV volume increases, despite an overall 14% year-on-year decline in total auto sales to 256,193 units. Year-to-date, plugin EVs hold a 27.6% share in Germany, outperforming France’s 23.4% but trailing the UK’s 31.8%. The market contraction in Germany and France partly explains the share gains, contrasting with the UK where overall market growth supports plugin EV expansion. Volkswagen’s ID.3 remained the best-selling BEV in June with 2,521 units, despite a year
energyelectric-vehiclesBEVPHEVautomotive-marketGermanyclean-energyAugWind Energy To Install First Commercial-Scale AirBattery In Germany - CleanTechnica
AugWind Energy, an Israeli company, is set to build the world’s first commercial-scale AirBattery system in Germany, utilizing compressed air stored in salt caverns to generate electricity. This innovative system can store gigawatt-hours of energy by compressing excess renewable electricity—primarily from wind and solar—and storing it for long periods, potentially up to several months. This long-duration storage capability addresses a critical need for renewable energy backup during extended low-generation periods, such as Germany’s “Dunkelflaute” when solar and wind output is minimal. The AirBattery technology typically can store between 3 to 8 GWh of electricity per cavern, with the final capacity depending on the specific salt cavern selected. The project cost is estimated between 7 to 15 million euros, largely influenced by the cavern’s pressure range. The salt caverns used are naturally airtight due to their dense, pressurized structure, a characteristic that has allowed their use for storing compressed natural gas and other gases safely for
energyenergy-storagecompressed-airrenewable-energyAirBatterylong-duration-storageGermanyEVs Take 28.8% Share In Germany — Volkswagen ID.7 Unassailable
electric-vehiclesBEVPHEVGermanyautomotive-marketclean-energyEV-transition