Germany to Tender 8 GW of Hydrogen-Ready Gas Power Plants in 2026

On November 14, 2025, the German federal government rolled out a pretty big tender: they’re looking for at least 8 GW of hydrogen-ready gas power plants. It’s a major move to lock in reliable energy and push along the nation’s Energiewende, the heart of the Germany energy transition—Germany’s push to phase out coal, dial up renewables, and keep the lights on when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine (the notorious “Dunkelflaute”).

A Simple but Powerful Idea: Flexible Plants for a Clean Future

At its core, it’s elegantly straightforward: build combined-cycle and open-cycle turbines that run on natural gas today but can switch over to hydrogen as green supply ramps up. These hydrogen turbines are designed to handle anything from a little mix of hydrogen and gas to 100% hydrogen, which slashes carbon emissions compared to old-school plants. It’s all about bridging current needs with future net-zero goals.

Partnership with Industry Champions

Big players like RWE AG and EnBW are already lining up to jump into the 2026 tender. RWE’s eyeing a hydrogen-compatible plant in Voerde, while EnBW is converting its Stuttgart-Münster station—it even has one of Germany’s first hydrogen-ready turbines churning out heat and power for local district heating. By leaning on Germany’s engineering chops and local supply chains, they’re primed to create hundreds of skilled jobs—truly made in Germany, made for Germany’s future.

Securing Grids and Meeting Climate Targets

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has put his stamp on it: every new gas-fired plant needs to be primed for hydrogen. These units are the heavy lifters that’ll back up variable renewables, offering crucial renewable backup capacity when solar and wind dip. The 8 GW tender is part of a broader effort—10 GW of controllable power that also includes batteries and demand-side tricks. Some folks wonder if 8 GW is enough, but the industry group BDEW says it’s a solid short-term win for energy security.

Made in Germany, Made for Germany’s Future

Once the European Commission green-lights the state aid, funding will likely flow via Contracts for Difference to smooth revenues as hydrogen scales up. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on: it’s about turbocharging grid upgrades, boosting local economies in North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, and setting a global example for others chasing a clean, dispatchable future.

Regional Benefits and Economic Boost

In Voerde and Stuttgart, you’ll see investments popping up in turbine manufacturing, hydrogen storage tanks, and pipeline work. Local suppliers are set to win contracts, and each big plant could generate hundreds of jobs—from construction crews to R&D teams—injecting real momentum into regional growth.

Understanding Dunkelflaute and the Need for Firm Capacity

Germany’s high share of renewables is fantastic, but there’s a catch: sometimes you hit a “Dunkelflaute”—those long stretches of dull, windless, cloudy days when solar and wind just flatline. Coal used to pick up the slack, but with a 2030 coal exit on the books, these hydrogen-ready gas power plants are exactly the fast-ramping backup needed to keep homes warm and factories humming, no matter the weather.

Challenges and Next Steps

Scaling up hydrogen supply isn’t going to be a walk in the park. Green hydrogen needs more electrolyzers and extra renewable juice. The European Commission is still reviewing Germany’s aid package, and clear rules on blending hydrogen into existing pipelines will be key. Success hinges on getting production, transport, and storage all working together.

In the end, the 2026 tender is more than just buying power—it’s a vote of confidence in hydrogen’s future role on a decarbonized grid. By leaning on proven tech, local expertise, and a bit of German pragmatism, Germany’s tackling today’s energy challenges and laying out a clear roadmap to net-zero by 2045. It’s an energizing time for clean power innovation.