Due to the nascent stage of hydrogen markets, efficient support allocation mechanisms like auctions are critical. Auctions enable competitive price discovery, helping stakeholders make informed decisions, and connect hydrogen supply with demand. Beyond price optimization, auctions are instrumental in advancing other objectives. The report identifies 22 distinct objectives, grouped into four thematic clusters: scaling, domestic development and speed, sustainability and resilience, and efficiency. The report features case studies of four recent hydrogen auctions. Drawing from the analysis, the report developsrecommendations on how to align objectives to minimize trade-offs for maximum impact.

This report examines the role of hydrogen hubs as pivotal enablers of demand within the hydrogen economy, exploring their potential to bridge existing gaps that impede market growth. By anchoring clean hydrogen production and distribution within these hubs, industries can synergize efforts, promote shared infrastructure, and drive down costs through economies of scale.In this report, two types of demand hubs are described: self-sufficient hubs and import-dependent hubs. Based on the analysis, the report develops recommendations on how to promote and use hubs to support demand creation.

The transition to a global hydrogen economy is critical for achieving net-zero emissions and decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Midstream hydrogen infrastructure—including pipelines, import terminals, reconversion facilities, and underground hydrogen storage—is projected to be the backbone of this transition, enabling large-scale trade and supply chain integration. However, this infrastructure faces a particularly large investment gap. This report analyses derisking strategies for midstream infrastructure for clean hydrogen and its derivatives, including four support instruments: CAPEX support, anchor capacity booking, contracts for difference, and fixed premiums. Based on the analysis, the report develops dedicated recommendations for the use of each instrument.

Report language: German) The project "Gas Infrastructure in Southeast Europe and North Africa" analyzed the hydrogen production potential from renewable energies, the use of existing gas infrastructure for hydrogen, and possible applications in countries along corridors A and E of the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB). An analysis of the Net-Energy-Climate Plans and the expansion potential for wind and solar energy revealed significant export potential for renewable hydrogen to Germany and Central Europe. The existing gas network was identified as the most economical transport option, with the reconversion of the pipelines to hydrogen seen as a key bottleneck. Storage infrastructures must be expanded, benefiting from the existing geological potential.

This policy brief describes the need and benefits of globally harmonized standards and certification processes across the hydrogen value chain Digital certification tools and practices will play an important role, automating and simplifying processes while potentially supporting different definitions, certificates, sustainability frameworks and carbon accounting methodologies. Increasing harmonization will facilitate both project financing and interoperability, and overall liquidity.

This study examines the production, transport, and supply costs of key Power-to-X products for 2030, analyzing 39 globally distributed regions in 12 developing and emerging countries. It assesses renewable energy and Power-to-X production and supply cost potential through extensive country analyses, identifying promising regions and optimizing Power-to-X production pathways. The focus is on renewable electricity generation costs and the simulation-based optimization of Power-to-X chains for producing renewable hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and jet fuel. Import scenarios consider long-distance transport of green energy carriers to Germany via ocean-going vessels or hydrogen pipelines, relying on dedicated renewables for 100% renewable hydrogen production.

This policy brief describes the need and benefits of globally harmonized standards and certification processes across the hydrogen value chain Digital certification tools and practices will play an important role, automating and simplifying processes while potentially supporting different definitions, certificates, sustainability frameworks and carbon accounting methodologies. Increasing harmonization will facilitate both project financing and interoperability, and overall liquidity.

This report analyzes financing gaps in PtX projects in non-OECD countries, highlighting challenges and success factors based on insights from project developers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. The PtX market in these regions remains in a nascent stage, with limited project experience and activities. While over $240 billion in global investments have been announced, non-OECD countries account for only a small share, and financial investment decisions are rare. Key challenges include demand-side uncertainties, supply-chain risks, and high capital requirements. Success factors include risk mitigation through tailored financial instruments, such as guarantees and concessional loans, and strong government support.

This report analyzes the legal feasibility of financing mechanisms for PtX CfD windows under three key frameworks: European State aid law, the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation, and WTO law. Under State aid law, financial contributions to PtX CfD windows may qualify as State aid, requiring compatibility with internal market rules based on the Guidelines on Climate, Environmental Protection, and Energy Aid. The EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation introduces notification requirements for third-country subsidies, impacting both PtX intermediaries and contractors. WTO law assesses subsidies based on the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM), distinguishing permissible, actionable, and prohibited subsidies, with export subsidies being particularly scrutinized.

This study analyzes the economic and regulatory dynamics influencing the competitiveness of renewable hydrogen and PtX products in Germany and the EU. It evaluates key policies such as the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), Renewable Energy Directive (RED), and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Economic assessments show that renewable hydrogen can already be cost-competitive with natural gas at current carbon prices but remains less competitive compared to coal and kerosene. The report emphasizes that uncertain fossil fuel prices and carbon pricing uncertainties hinder investment. Targeted support and infrastructure development are critical to accelerate the adoption of renewable hydrogen and PtX.