Germany's hydrogen energy strategy faces obstacles in implementation, with the country's institutions criticizing it for falling far short of the standards.

The hydrogen strategy, which is seen as the "core engine" of Germany's energy transition, is facing skepticism from various parties in Germany. Stagnation of projects, rising costs, and disjointed planning have made this strategy, once filled with ambitions for climate neutrality, a challenging endeavor. The German Federal Audit Office warned in its latest report that the implementation progress of the country's hydrogen strategy is "far from reaching its goals," and the industry's dependence on government subsidies is deepening, a trend that may evolve into a long-term burden on federal finances.