Review: On November 5, 2024, almost 125 people took part in the online conference of the Franco-German Office for the Energy Transition (DFBEW).
Both the German and French hydrogen strategies see industry as the largest future consumer of decarbonized hydrogen. However, the strategies emphasize that the electrification of industrial processes should be prioritized in many areas. The chemical, basic materials and steel industries in particular, as well as fertilizer production, are facing major challenges in converting their processes.

The online conference first provided an overview of the various framework conditions for the use of hydrogen in industry and the unavoidable no-regret applications. It then discussed best practices for the use of hydrogen in the steel and chemical industries in Germany and France, as well as issues relating to network expansion.
Finally, practical experience reports highlighted the success factors and obstacles to the use of hydrogen in industry. The following questions were the focus of the Franco-German exchange:

• How do Germany and France prioritize the use of hydrogen in industry?

• What industrial example projects can Germany and France showcase and what support and infrastructure connections do they receive?

• To what extent can hydrogen provide a basis for the value creation and competitiveness of industry in Europe?