Press release , Jan 17, 2025

Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft Calls for Adjustments to Climate Protection Agreements

Copyright: Lotte Ostermann/DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT

On the occasion of the hearing of associations on the amendment of the funding guideline for climate protection contracts, Dr. Timm Kehler, CEO of Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft (The German Gas and Hydrogen Industry), explains:

“The planned changes to the funding guidelines for climate protection contracts pose a serious threat to a truly technology-neutral and effective transformation of the industry. In particular, the exclusion of synthetic methane (e-NG) and the possibility of revoking funding decisions in the event of a lack of budget funds are unacceptable.

The exclusion of e-NG contradicts European regulations, in particular the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2493, and represents a step backwards for German climate policy. At European level, e-NG is recognized as a climate-neutral gas and assessed with an emission factor of zero. It is therefore all the more incomprehensible that e-NG is treated like fossil natural gas in the climate protection agreements - a clear contradiction to the European requirements. It also seems particularly absurd that the direct use of e-NG is not eligible for funding, while hydrogen produced from e-NG is eligible.

Another critical aspect is the rule that funding decisions can be revoked if budget funds are not available. Such uncertainty undermines the confidence of companies and jeopardizes urgently needed investments in climate-neutral technologies. Reliable framework conditions are essential to ensure a successful transformation of the industry.

We are therefore calling for a clear adjustment of the climate protection agreements: e-NG must be assessed with an emission factor of zero in accordance with European requirements. In addition, the regulation on the possibility of revoking funding decisions must be deleted without replacement. These adjustments are necessary in order to effectively use the climate protection agreements to decarbonize the industry and at the same time secure Germany's competitiveness as an industrial location in the long term.”

About DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT

As the voice of the gas and hydrogen industry, the association DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT e.V. pools the interests of its members and is committed to utilising the potential of hydrogen and its derivatives as well as biogas and natural gas, including the associated infrastructure. The industry association also provides information on the opportunities offered by gaseous energy sources and their infrastructure in a climate-neutral and resilient energy system and drives the industry's transition to new gases. It is supported by leading companies in the energy industry and covers the entire value chain from production, transport and distribution to trading, sales and applications. Other industry associations and industrial companies support DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT e.V. as partners.

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