Allocation of Electrolysis Facilities in Germany

Hydrogen and domestic electrolyzers are a central part of Germany’s hydrogen and climate protection strategy. The national expansion target aims for an electrolysis capacity of at least 10 GW by 2030 [1], and the scenario framework for the NEP Electricity 2037/2045 plans for an electrolysis capacity in Germany between 46 GW and 80 GW by 2045, of which 41 GW are known project announcements [2]. Regardless of these figures, the electrolyzers can have a significant impact on the expansion requirements of electricity grids. The location of a large part of the electrolyzers planned in the future is still unknown and can only be estimated by analyzing various location criteria.

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We Create Specific Regionalizations of Electrolysis Capacity in Germany.

Get in touch with Dr.-Ing. Simon Pichlmaier and his team and arrange a non-binding initial consultation.

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Based on current data and framework conditions, we have developed a tool that considers various allocation criteria and enables the localization of electrolysis capacity at the NUTS-3 level. Together with you and your underlying questions, we can define scenarios that represent different perspectives, e.g., system perspective or operator perspective.

Currently, a total of 9 allocation criteria are considered for the regionalization. A predefined and realistic electrolysis capacity is distributed across Germany using a weighted sum model, considering correlations between criteria and minimum ratings of the regions.

The following allocation criteria are currently integrated into our solution: proximity to hydrogen networks, hydrogen demand, proximity to power grids, negative residual load, waste heat and oxygen as by-products, water availability, construction subsidy costs, and grid relief regions („Nutzen statt Abregeln“, § 13k EnWG). Depending on the questions to be answered, this set of location criteria can also be expanded and applied to other assets such as PtX systems and battery storage systems.

Figure 1: Exemplary allocalization of 60 GW Electrolysis Capacity (Scenario framework for the NEP Electricity 2037/2045, version 2025, scenario B [2]). On the left, the system perspective; on the right, the operator perspective.

References:

Sources:

[1] Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK). Fortschreibung der Nationalen Wasserstoffstrategie (NWS 2023). Juli 2023. 

[2] Übertragungsnetzbetreiber (ÜNB). Szenariorahmen zum Netzentwicklungsplan Strom 2037/2045, Version 2025. Juni 2024.