The public debate on hydrogen in transport: A systematic analysis of stakeholder positions
enERSyn Focus Paper #5
Authors: Sebastian Erstling, Hinrich Helms, Julius Jöhrens
This focus paper analyses and structures the German political debate on the suitability and use of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives for the decarbonisation of transport. The analysis draws on the respective coverage in “Tagesspiegel Background”, a relevant professional information service.
Within the 302 articles analysed in the period from 1 January 2024 to the 2025 German federal election, four fundamental positions are observed with regard to the use of H2:
‒ H2 is generally an important energy source for road transport
‒ H2 should not be used in road transport for efficiency reasons
‒ H2 makes sense complementing battery-based electrification
‒ H2 may be suitable for niche applications
The positions of general suitability and rejection due to low energy and cost efficiency constitute the main controversy, while the other two represent intermediate positions.
Quantitatively, the position of general suitability predominates in the discourse. It is articulated primarily by political actors and usually not explained in detail in the related texts. In many cases, it serves as an argumentative foundation for the narrative of technological openness that is frequently encountered in the discourse. The view of H2 as a necessary addition to battery-based mobility is also significant, but much less so in quantitative terms.
The rejection of H2 in road transport is mainly articulated by scientific actors and is mostly justified by disadvantages in terms of energy and therefore cost efficiency. The position of a very limited use of H2 for niche applications is the least represented in the data set and is expressed mostly by companies.
The Paper is available in German.