The dissertation examines the structural challenges facing the emerging green hydrogen sector, the scope for action available to key players, and the uneven developments promoted by national hydrogen policies. Based on two years of qualitative research, consisting of interviews, document analyses, and participant observations, the work makes a conceptual and empirical contribution to understanding the economic implications of the energy transition and the role of state industrial policy in global production networks.
The central argument is that hydrogen is associated with far-reaching expectations in Germany, as it is seen as a solution for both energy and industrial policy. This dual hope forms the basis for a broad political-economic alliance of companies, trade unions and environmental organisations that is calling for government support even beyond neoliberal models. Nevertheless, the sector's development is lagging behind expectations, as the material properties of green hydrogen, in particular its permanently higher transport costs compared to fossil fuels, entail structural competitive disadvantages for energy-import-dependent economies such as Germany.
Instead of relocating energy-intensive production processes to regions with abundant renewable energies, government action is primarily focused on establishing international import structures for green hydrogen and its derivatives. While the additional costs of defossilisation are currently still largely borne by the government, these costs are expected to be shifted to companies and ultimately consumers in the medium term with potential risks for the social acceptance of the energy transition. The paper therefore outlines an alternative hydrogen strategy that would enable German companies to manufacture energy-intensive intermediate products abroad while contributing to international development.
Colleagues, former students, family members and friends were present at the defence to celebrate the graduation. Afterwards, everyone raised a glass and reminisced about their time at the Department of Geography, lending the celebration a personal and festive atmosphere.
We warmly congratulate Benedikt Walker on his successful defence!
