Berlin – November 04, 2026 -- Germany's hydrogen market index stands at 41 out of 100 points in 2026, unchanged from the previous year, and industry and energy-sector representatives see no noticeable revival of the market. The annual analysis, conducted since 2023, concludes that the hydrogen ramp-up has stalled despite progress on infrastructure and the further development of regulation.
Infrastructure is the only category to improve, rising to 36 points
Of the four main categories assessed, only infrastructure build-out gained in the rating. It reached 36 index points, up from 35 in 2025 and 24 in 2023. The authors report stronger upward trends in several sub-categories of the infrastructure index.
Political-regulatory framework and market development each lose 2 points
The political and regulatory framework fell by 2 points to 36. Market development also declined by 2 points, to 35. These two categories pulled the overall index back to its prior-year level despite the infrastructure gain.
The innovation environment is the highest-rated category at 55 index points, unchanged from last year.
Seven industry associations stand behind the 2026 analysis
The associations involved are AGFW, DIHK, DVGW, H2Global Stiftung, VCI, VDMA and VIK. They call for a reliable political course that enables investment and creates viable markets. The full assessment and a summary are published on the project's website.