“Hydrogen works – but not at the current price” – Westphalia board member Perkmann speaks at the 3rd Austrian Water

At the 3rd Austrian Hydrogen Day in Vienna, Dr. Thomas Perkmann, CEO of the Westfalen Group, explained the importance of green hydrogen as a versatile energy source. While green hydrogen can make a decisive contribution to decarbonization in mobility, industry and heat supply, Perkmann sees the current high costs as one of the biggest hurdles to the ramp-up of hydrogen in Europe.

“Hydrogen works – but not at the current price. If green hydrogen is to be a success, we need a different price level in the current situation,” explained Perkmann. He called for greater political commitment to promote the expansion and economic viability of hydrogen. In addition to initial subsidies, which are necessary in this phase, he called for an adjustment to the strict regulations, which are currently unnecessarily driving up costs and slowing market ramp-up. In particular, he presented the high electricity procurement costs and inflexible procurement criteria as a central lever for advancing the economic viability of hydrogen.

Perkmann also described the current challenge from a practical perspective: “Like many other companies, we are in the starting blocks to advance the supply of hydrogen. However, with today’s high kilogram prices, the willingness of potential buyers to pay is very limited – especially in medium-sized companies .” The Westfalen Group, headquartered in Münster, supplies over 60,000 medium-sized commercial customers in Germany and Europe with industrial gases, fuels and heat energy and has been active in the hydrogen sector for 40 years. A similar picture emerges in the area of ​​mobility, says Perkmann. “At the current costs for vehicles and energy, hydrogen cannot develop its full potential without funding.”

The event, organized by the Austrian Water and Waste Management Association (ÖWAV), brought together experts and political representatives, including the Austrian Federal Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler. The focus was on current research, regulatory framework conditions as well as specific applications and areas of application for hydrogen.