INTERVIEW Joining forces to make hydrogen a reality Klaus Bonhoff discussed his country’s plans for hydrogen with Ernest Moniz, the 13 Secretary of the US Department of Energy,th during Ardian’s summit “Investing in Climate Action: The Case for Hydrogen”. Ernest Moniz: What is Germany’s vision for hydrogen, and what steps is the government taking to accelerate hydrogen market formation? Klaus Bonhoff: Let me answer first with a broader observation. A much wider public is now aware of the reality of climate change. That has made the role of hydrogen in managing the threat more obvious and visible. EM: In 2020 in my country [the USA], for the first time ever the winning presidential campaign saw climate action was a vote-winner. That is a profound change. KB: It is certainly seen that way in Germany, where the unusual situation A conversation between of the pandemic led to a great deal of public money being made available KLAUS BONHOFF & ERNEST J. MONIZ through stimulus packages that will help transform our energy and mobility Director General at Germany’s Federal 13 Secretary at theth systems. This money will stimulate Ministry for Transport and Digital US Department of Energy investment opportunities and create high Infrastructure quality jobs, which is a strong positive for governments. 18