The EWI analysis titled “Impact of the Grid Tariff Reform on Hydrogen Production Costs” examines the consequences of the Federal Network Agency’s (Bundesnetzagentur, BNetzA) current interim AgNes report from 27th of May 2026, on the economic viability of electrolysers. The context is the planned introduction of capacity prices for participants who have thus far been largely exempt from grid fees, such as electricity suppliers, batteries, and electrolysers. Using the EWI’s SOPHIAA optimization model, the study analyzes how capacity prices ranging from 4 to 7 euros per kilowatt per year affect the costs of hydrogen production. The study examines various electricity procurement options for electrolysers via Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from existing and new facilities.
The results show that, based on the current interim AgNes report, the planned reform will increase production costs for green hydrogen, but to a much lesser extent than feared prior to the publication of the AgNes interim report. When electricity is sourced from existing plants, hydrogen production costs rise by up to 10 cents per kilogram of hydrogen (+2.1 percent). When sourced from new plants, they increase by up to 32 cents per kilogram (+5.7 percent).
