Launch of the ‘H₂ – Beyond the Hype’ Report, Berlin, November 2025

25 November 2025. Australian Embassy, Berlin.

The German Australian Business Council hosted the launch of the H₂ – Beyond the Hype report at the Embassy of Australia in Berlin.

The event brought together around 35 guests from industry, government, and research. Board Members based in Berlin were also in attendance, representing the German Australian Business Council.

The event offered a concise overview of the current state of green hydrogen and the opportunities for deeper German–Australian collaboration.

Setting the Scene

The report, jointly developed by the German Australian Business Council and DECHEMA, aims to bring clarity and realism to the fast-moving hydrogen conversation. The event opened with remarks from H.E. Natasha Smith, Australian Ambassador to Germany, followed by Mascha Katharina Thomas from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

Dr. Sabine Pittrof, Co-Chair of the German Australian Business Council, then introduced the motivation and background of the report before Dr. Florian Ausfelder from DECHEMA presented the key findings. His remarks highlighted the technological, economic, and regulatory challenges and opportunities shaping the hydrogen landscape. Following the official launch, guests continued discussions during an informal networking session.

Takeaways

– Green hydrogen is progressing, but large-scale deployment still faces cost, technology, and regulatory hurdles.

– Financing is available, but bankable projects require clearer offtake commitments and risk structures.

– Hydrogen’s strongest impact lies in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals, and heavy transport.

– Germany and Australia have complementary strengths and and long-term cooperation is essential.

Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Sabine Pittrof of the German Australian Business Council and Dr. Florian Ausfelder of DECHEMA for driving the Roundtable discussion and leading the development of the H₂ – Beyond the Hype report. We also extend our thanks to all experts and contributors involved, to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) for its support, and to the Embassy of Australia in Berlin for generously hosting the event.

Download the Report

English: H2 Beyond the Hype Report_English

German: H2 Beyond the Hype Report_German