Stagnating expansion of green hydrogen capacities

Electrolysis capacity in Germany is growing more slowly than planned (source: Analysis by the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne, EWI). According to the EWI electrolysis database, the current installed capacity is around 181 MWel_, with a further 1.3 GW_el or so having a final investment decision (FID) or under construction. This means that a maximum of 1.5 GW_el could be in operation by the end of 2027.

As things stand, the target of 10 GW_el by 2030 is likely to be missed. Although a total of 8.7 GW_el have been announced by 2030, almost 3 GW_el have already been dropped from the database - either canceled or not updated. In addition, only around 30% of the projects that were due to go into operation in 2025 have actually been realized on time. Of the projects planned for 2026, more than half (14 projects with a total of over 1 GW_el) still lack an FID or a start of construction.

At the same time, the EWI analysis shows that Germany's largest electrolyser has now gone into operation with a capacity of 54 MW - another step forward, but the overall economic momentum is lagging behind expectations. The delays are primarily due to ongoing project delays, a lack of investment decisions and complex regulatory hurdles.

Overall, the analysis by the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (EWI) makes this clear: The ramp-up of green hydrogen production in Germany continues to lag well behind political targets.

In view of these delays, basic scientific research is becoming increasingly important - and this is precisely where the 4th Boysen-TU Dresden-Research Training Group comes in. Under the guiding theme of "Hydrogen - Strategic Element of a Future GreenGas Deal", doctoral students are researching innovative solutions for more efficient, more sustainable and more scalable electrolysis processes. Their work is making a decisive contribution to overcoming the technical, material science and economic challenges that are currently still hindering the widespread use of green hydrogen. RTG research thus provides valuable impetus for a practical and future-proof energy transition.