Green hydrogen and energy storage solutions are becoming increasingly important for achieving corporate climate neutrality. To accelerate the expansion of renewable energies, DIHK has extended its "Power Partnership" concept first introduced in mid-2023. The goal: using market signals to create a more affordable and abundant supply of clean energy.
Electricity remains a crucial factor for competitiveness, but many businesses struggle with high and volatile prices. The transformation can only succeed if renewable energies and hydrogen become swiftly and economically accessible. Many companies are willing to invest, yet economic viability must be ensured.
The previous subsidy system focused on operation cost subsidies or fixed feed-in tariffs—irrespective of market demand for the produced electricity. DIHK's Power Partnership concepts emphasize investment incentives and real price signals: market forces, demand, and climate protection intertwining effectively.
The "Original": the StromPartnership
The concept of the "StromPartnership" includes 25% investment grants and a 2 ct/kWh reduction in grid charges.
The effects:
- Long-term power purchase agreements (PPA) will be cheaper for companies by a maximum of 3.6 to 3.7 ct/kWh
- Approximately 50 GW of renewable energy expansion will be brought forward
- Up to 74 TWh/year of green electricity will be generated for the German economy
The financing:
The financing requirements from the federal budget for the investment grants and the reduction in grid charges within the framework of the "StromPartnership" amount to around 3.7 billion euros annually, which is less than a fifth of the 2023 subsidy from the federal budget for EEG funding.
The + for electrolysers and battery storage
The "Power Partnership+" enhances this model, offering additional incentives for companies using renewable energy generated from the Power Partnership to produce hydrogen with electrolysers or improve consumption flexibility through battery storage systems.
These incentives include a 25% investment grant for the electrolyser or battery storage and full exemption from grid charges for electricity consumed for hydrogen production or fed into storage systems.
Ultimately, the "Power Partnership+" can reduce hydrogen generation costs for industry and trade by 38% (industry) and 50% (trade) compared to self-generation without the Power Partnership. It also generates capacities of up to 3.8 GW for electrolysers and up to 31.7 GW for battery storage, significantly contributing to the future requirements of Germany's energy system.
Explainer video
Concepts available for download
- The updated concept:
DIHK Impulse Paper on Power Partnerships (PDF, 2 MB) (only available in German) - Original concept from mid-2023:
DIHK Concept on Power Partnership+ (PDF, 1 MB) (only available in German)
- Relevant in topic:
- Energie
- Key areas:
-
- Industrie
- Klima
- Wasserstoff
Released 11.09.2024
Modified 17.03.2026
Contact
Dr. Sebastian Bolay
Managing Director Energy, Environment, Industry
Dr. Niclas Wenz
Head of Unit for Electricity Market, Renewable Energy and National Climate Protection
Petra Blum
Spokesperson