LAV Magazin 2020

Mario Mehren CEO of Wintershall Dea the future. That’s right so. But here, too, the approach taken must be open to all technological options and utilise all potential intelligently. In this regard, Germany in particular still needs to make significant improvements to its “National Hydrogen Strategy”. This is because with its clear price and volume advantages, decarbonised hydrogen produced from natural gas can com- pensate for the lack of renewable capac- ity and accelerate the market ramp-up for hydrogen technologies. Let’s take a look at the natural gas in- frastructure. The EU has successfully diversified the gas market over the last ten years. Europe has more than 35 liq- uefied natural gas terminals, large stor- age capacities, a dense pipeline network within the EU through which gas can be transported in all directions, and efficient pipelines linking the EU to its main energy partners – Norway and Russia. But it’s also clear that as Europe’s do- mestic natural gas production declines, Europe is threatened by a considerable import shortfall of up to 120 billion cu- bic metres by 2035. We therefore need further secure supply routes and must continue investing in the energy part- nerships that have already proven their worth. Europe is at a crucial stage in shaping its own economic and social future, and in redefining its role in the world, includ- ing as a model for other regions. As the largest economy in the EU, Germany has a special obligation in this respect. The coming months will be decisive in many ways. With the EU Council Pres- idency, Germany has a great opportu- nity to assume a positive leadership role. And, like any great opportunity, this entails considerable responsibility. Hydrogen is part of almost all organic compounds and is considered the energy source of the future. 29