Press release , Feb 26, 2026

Hydrogen Acceleration Act: Picking Up the Pace in Market Ramp-Up

Copyright: Lotte Ostermann/DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT

In its third reading today, the German Bundestag adopted the Hydrogen Acceleration Act (Wasserstoffbeschleunigungsgesetz, WassBG). The law designates facilities for the production, import, and storage of hydrogen as projects of overriding public interest and aims to simplify and accelerate permitting procedures. Dr. Timm Kehler, CEO of the association Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft, welcomes the decision:

“With the Hydrogen Acceleration Act, policymakers are pressing ahead with the market ramp-up. Hydrogen will play a central role in decarbonisation. The WassBG will enable production plants, pipelines, and import infrastructure to be planned, reviewed, and approved more quickly and reliably in the future.

It is particularly positive that low-carbon hydrogen is now included within the scope of application. This means that carbon management projects and related import value chains can also benefit from the acceleration provisions.

At the same time, the law advances the repurposing of existing gas infrastructure for the hydrogen ramp-up. It also takes into account facilities for hydrogen derivatives, such as ammonia crackers, as well as the integration of synthetic gases and blue hydrogen. This broadens the supply side, increases investment certainty, and sets the hydrogen market in motion.”

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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