
Hydrogen Prices at Germany Petrol Stations

Hydrogen has become a fundamental pillar in the energy transition, and Germany is a leader in its adoption. Over the past two decades, the country has developed a robust network of filling stations offering hydrogen as an alternative fuel.
Since the early 2000s, the price of hydrogen has fluctuated significantly. In 2005, hydrogen cost around 10 euros per kilogram due to a lack of infrastructure and high production costs. This price remained stable until 2010, when new technologies allowed for infrastructure expansion.
In the 2010s, prices began to decline. By 2015, the average price was 9 euros per kilogram, driven by technological advances and increased demand.
Germany currently has 92 operating hydrogen filling stations, making it the European country with the largest hydrogen infrastructure. Prices vary significantly depending on the supplier, region, and supply conditions.
The average hydrogen price in Germany is €18/kg, showing an upward trend due to energy costs.
Current hydrogen production price in Germany
In recent years, prices have continued to fall, albeit at a slower pace. By 2020, the average price was 8 euros per kilogram. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused temporary price fluctuations.
In 2022, the average price dropped to 7.5 euros per kilogram, thanks to investments in green hydrogen and the expansion of the production network. In 2024, the price stabilized at around 7 euros per kilogram.
Prices by Supplier
Supplier | Average price/kg (2024) | Variation compared to 2023 |
---|---|---|
H2 Mobility | €12.85 | +8.5% |
Shell Hydrogen | €13.20 | +9.2% |
TotalEnergies H2 | €12.95 | +7.8% |
Air Liquide | €13.50 | +10.1% |
Linde Hydrogen | €13.10 | +8.9% |
Price per Hydrogen Station in the Germany
Price of Hydrogen for sale in the Germany
Map of Hydrogen Stations in the Germany
List of Hydrogen Stations in Germany
Regional Price Variations
Regional differences are notable:
- Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg: Higher prices (€13.30-€13.80/kg) due to higher demand and operating costs.
- North Rhine-Westphalia: Area with more competitive prices (€12.40-€12.90/kg) due to higher station density.
- Eastern Germany: Intermediate prices (€12.90-€13.40/kg) with lower station availability.
- Metropolitan areas (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich): Premium of €0.50-€0.80/kg above the national average.
Price trends in recent years
The trend shows a clear upward trend:
- 2020: €9.50/kg (average)
- 2021: €10.20/kg (+7.4%)
- 2022: €11.10/kg (+8.8%)
- 2023: €11.90/kg (+7.2%)
- 2024: €12.95/kg (+8.8%)
The key factors have been rising energy costs, infrastructure investments, and growing demand for heavy transport.
Subsidies for hydrogen vehicles
Germany offers significant incentives:
- Innovationsprämie: Up to €7,500 for hydrogen cars (base price <€80,000)
- Tax exemption: Commercial vehicles until 2026
- Fleet subsidies: Up to 80% of the additional cost compared to diesel
- KfW-Programm 461: Preferential financing for H2 infrastructure
Future forecasts until 2030
Analysts anticipate:
- 2025-2026: Stabilization around €13.20-13.50/kg with new production capacities
- 2027-2028: Possible reduction to €11.50-12.00/kg thanks to economies of scale
- 2030: Government target of €9.00/kg through subsidies and mass renewable production
The Nationale Wasserstoffstrategie (National Hydrogen Strategy) plans 1,000 stations by 2030.
Summary of the current situation and immediate trend
Current outlook
The German hydrogen market for mobility has the following key features:
- Record price: National average at €12.95/kg (+8.8% year-on-year)
- Geographic disparity: Differences of up to €1.40/kg between regions
- Urban concentration: 68% of stations in metropolitan areas
- H2 Mobility dominance: Operates 60% of stations
- Growing demand: +37% in consumption compared to 2023, driven by commercial fleets
Immediate trend (2024-2025)
Factors that will shape the evolution in the coming months:
- Upward pressure: 2-3 new price increases are expected before the end of the year due to energy costs
- New stations: 18 Openings confirmed for Q3-Q4 2024 (mainly in Lower Saxony and Rhineland-Palatinate)
- Regulatory Impact: New RED III regulations could reduce prices by €0.50-0.70/kg starting in 2025
- Competition: Entry of new operators such as BP and ENBW could put downward pressure on prices
- State Subsidies: €350 million package approved in April 2024 to stabilize prices
Outlook: The market is experiencing tensions between rising production costs and government efforts to make H2 competitive. A period of volatility is anticipated until 2025 when new electrolysis plants come online.
References
- https://www.h2.live
- https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Artikel/Industrie/wasserstoff.html
- https://www.now-gmbh.de
- https://www.shell.de/energie/wasserstoff.html
- https://www.airliquide.de/wasserstoff
- https://www.bdew.de/energie/wasserstoff/
- https://www.h2-mobility.de/
- https://www.shell.com/energy-and-innovation/hydrogen.html
- https://www.linde.com/what-we-do/hydrogen
- https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/EN/Dossier/hydrogen-strategy.html
- https://www.iea.org/reports/global-hydrogen-review-2023