Development of shared vision
Building on the insights from the first phase, stakeholders collaborate to develop a shared vision aligned with the goals of the energy transition, such as achieving net-zero emissions or decarbonizing hard-toabate sectors like steel production and heavy transport. This vision can be shaped through discussions or via an online process. Regions may begin by drafting a strategic outline to provide a foundation, which can then be refined through a participatory consultation with stakeholders. When creating a vision, two key aspects are crucial. First, it should align with political targets and legislation. Political targets refer to the fields of action, such as Production. An example can be taken from the German Hydrogen Strategy, which sets a national expansion target for electrolysis capacity of at least 10 GW by 2030 . Second, it should emphasize the benefits that act as drivers of change, fostering intrinsic motivation among stakeholders.
Translate vision into concrete targets
After examining benefits, motivations, political targets, and legislation, a strategy can be developed to translate the vision into concrete targets. These strategies may address specific sectors or fields of action. Success relies on defining targets that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound (SMART). For instance, regions might set targets for increasing the installed capacity of hydrogen electrolyzers or reducing the cost of green hydrogen production to a competitive level. These targets should be complemented by the establishment of indicators to track progress over time.
Identification of conflicts
At this stage, stakeholder engagement is crucial for fostering consensus and aligning diverse interests. Potential conflicts must be identified and effectively moderated. Conflicts may arise between hydrogen consumers such as transport operators and industrial manufacturers, but also between business models and political strategies or even among different political strategies. By facilitating open dialogue, the strategy development phase ensures that these diverse priorities are harmonized, integrating the various components of the hydrogen value chain into a cohesive and actionable plan.