Germany’s Bundestag has approved the Hydrogen Acceleration Act, granting hydrogen infrastructure projects “overriding public interest” status until 2045.
The legislation introduces simplified, digitalised and time-limited permitting procedures to accelerate planning, environmental approvals and judicial review.
The move aims to reduce delays across the hydrogen value chain and provide greater investment certainty.
The Hydrogen Acceleration Act covers a broad range of infrastructure, including large-scale electrolysers, hydrogen production from biogenic sources, import terminals for hydrogen and derivatives such as ammonia and methanol, storage sites, pipelines, compressors and cross-border facilities.
Maximum timelines are introduced for permitting and court proceedings, with certain projects assigned directly to higher administrative courts to shorten appeal processes.
While Germany prioritises renewable hydrogen, compliant low-carbon hydrogen with CCS is included. Industrial hydrogen end-use plants remain outside the scope. The legislation now proceeds to the Bundesrat before formal publication.
Sources:
German Bundestag – Hydrogen Acceleration Act
Luis Ignacio P. (LinkedIn summary)
