Energy Agenda for the Future: Ten Key Points for a Sustainable and Competitive Energy Supply

• Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft (the german gas and hydrogen industry) presents a policy paper outlining the framework for a forward-looking energy strategy.
• Climate protection, secure energy supply, and economic competitiveness must be addressed together.
• Kehler: “The new federal government must prioritize energy policy decisions to achieve climate goals and strengthen Germany’s economic standing.”

The upcoming federal election marks a critical juncture for the energy transition: climate protection, energy supply, and economic competitiveness must be more integrated than ever in the coming years. To address this, the gas and hydrogen industry has introduced its energy agenda fpr the future. In light of growing global challenges, it is essential that energy policy issues take center stage in coalition negotiations and future government actions.

Just six weeks before the federal election, Dr. Timm Kehler, CEO of the Gas and Hydrogen Association, underscores the need for clear energy policy direction: “The transformation of energy supply will only succeed if innovation, market-based instruments, and technology-neutral policies work closely together—rather than being hindered by over-detailed, centrally planned regulations.” The energy agenda for the furture outlines ten points illustrating how climate protection and economic efficiency can be combined.

According to the association, the new federal government must set clear priorities: the construction of gas-fired power plants, international energy partnerships for importing gas and hydrogen, and the use of CCS technologies (Carbon Capture and Storage) are essential. Kehler emphasizes: “Gas and hydrogen are indispensable components of the solution and must be actively promoted. Only then can climate targets be achieved and Germany’s economic competitiveness strengthened.”

Green molecules like hydrogen and biomethane are essential for a sustainable energy system. They enable cost-effective storage and transport of large amounts of energy over long distances. This requires a modern infrastructure that efficiently connects electricity, gas, and hydrogen networks, forming the foundation for a stable energy supply.

For Dr. Timm Kehler, introducing ETS2 - the CO2 pricing system for transportation, small businesses, and heating - will be a key task for the new government: “A CO2 price combined with a climate dividend is the right approach to relieve citizens while promoting investments in climate protection. In addition, the use of renewable and low-carbon gases should be driven by a mandatory green gas quota. This target fosters the integration of hydrogen and biomethane, supporting both the heating market and industry on their path to climate neutrality.”

The association’s energy agenda for the future also addresses the challenges of ensuring secure and diversified energy supplies, which require strategic partnerships and long-term import contracts. A clear framework for electricity generation, including modern gas-fired power plants, is needed to guarantee supply security. The gas and hydrogen industry also advocates for a technology-neutral heating transition, the promotion of CO2-free mobility, and the transformation of gas distribution grids. Particular attention is given to the importance of carbon management to systematically reduce CO2 emissions and secure international competitiveness.

With this comprehensive approach, Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft aims not only to contribute to achieving Germany’s climate policy goals but also to ensure long-term economic competitiveness.