Policy instruments for the market ramp-up of low-carbon hydrogen in Korea and Germany

Green and low-carbon hydrogen are a crucial pillar of decarbonisation strategies in Korea and Germany. Especially for heavy industrial applications, providing flexible and peak power production or storing energy, the use of low-carbon hydrogen will be vital. Therefore, a fast ramp-up of the low-carbon hydrogen economy in both countries is necessary. However, this necessary ramp-up of hydrogen production does present a challenge, not least because of the large amounts of hydrogen and the green electricity needed for its production.

This study provides an overview of the status and goals of hydrogen ramp-up efforts in Germany and Korea and compares the policy instruments and measures in both countries aiming to facilitate the required steep low-carbon hydrogen ramp-up. It then continues to identify similarities and differences as well as opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation within their joint Korean-German Energy Partnership.