2026年国际绿氢报告

InternationalGreen HydrogenReport 2026 Contents Focus on hydrogen Whether as an energy carrier, as energy storage forclimate-neutral energies, as a decarbonised fuel intransport, as an essential element of sector coupling(dovetailing green electricity with the heat andmobility sectors as well as industry), or as a meansof decarbonising CO2sources (such as the steel orcement industry), hydrogen is clean and versatile.However, hydrogen deployment faced significant challenges in 2025. While policy frameworks have matured considerably, implementationgaps remain between ambitious targets and actual deployment. Costcompetitiveness, infrastructure development, regulatory harmonisationcontinues to present hurdles, though recent technological advancesand increased investment are beginning to address these barriers. The legal issues addition to numerous other advantages as a renewable energycarrier, the use of hydrogen makes it possible to significantlyreduce CO2emissions.As of 2025, over 140 countries have developed or are developingRegulationIn the context of the production, transport, distribution andconsumption of hydrogen, numerous regulatory provisions mustbe observed.Frequently, a key legal and economic issue is the legal A successful energy transition can onlybe achieved by combining security ofsupply, affordability and environmentalcompatibility with innovative and intelligentclimate protection. This requires analternative option to the fossil fuelsthat are predominantly used today. national hydrogen strategies, representing a significant increasefrom previous years. However, the market situation variesconsiderably across jurisdictions. Beyond cost factors, the supplyand demand balance, infrastructure development, and regulatoryframeworks remain key determinants for realising nationalhydrogen goals.Green hydrogen as the petroleum of tomorrowqualification of “green hydrogen” and the development ofstandards enabling a real international green hydrogen market.Certification and the development of national standards will playa major role.When grants are used alongside traditional ways of projectfunding, it is important to observe the requirements for theproper use of the subsidies. In the event of noncompliance with the subsidy law requirements, there is a risk that the subsidies willhave to be repaid with interest.Contracts The flexible energy carrier is indispensable for the energytransition and opens new markets as part of the entire value chain: technologies, generation, storage and infrastructure.Our hydrogen-focused legal team has advised on numerouslocal as well as cross-border projects, supporting clients throughThe implementation of hydrogen production or storage projects(e.g. power-to-gas plants) or the development of a hydrogen regulatory compliance, joint ventures, IP protection, and financing.We work closely with technical consultants and policy experts todeliver integrated legal solutions across the hydrogen value chain— from production and storage to distribution and end-use.infrastructure require a balanced and solid contractual basis. Thecomplexity of the supply and off-take contracts required for theseprojects should be considered — also regarding investment andfinancing issues from the beginning. The contracts also have tointegrate the regulatory requirements for green electricity supply,safety issues, authorisation procedures or counterparty risk provisions. In case of a common investment the mutual rights and obligationsincluding lock-up periods, exit scenarios and managementincentive packages are to be considered with attention.All relevant contracts should be drafted clearly, practically andDisputes with joint venture partners, suppliers,customers, and contractors require careful and strategichandling to ensure optimal outcomes. Operators andother stakeholders also need to be alert to the risk of claims from third parties impacted by projects and theiroperation, and/or claims for environmental damage.Cross-border investment in hydrogen projects also requires Intellectual PropertyMany promising projects in the field of hydrogen production, transport, or distribution start with a pioneering invention.For example, high-performance storage technologies need tobe developed to be competitive and attractive to consumers.These inventions must be protected, through patent protectionat national and international level. Likewise, your patents andtrademarks should be effectively enforceable against anyimitators. As of today, European companies are in a leadingposition with respect to patents in the hydrogen field.Conversely, when developing new products and processes with foresight and take enough account of the special features ofthe technologies and their change or further development. Weaccompany and advise you in all necessary strategic decisionsand the practical steps of setting up such a joint venture or acommon company, whether in connection with research anddevelopment, produc