Germany

High-renewables grids are planned in min but judged in milliseconds; credible studies must therefore resolve both horizons within a single model. Current adequacy tools bypass fast frequency dynamics while detailed simulators lack multi-hour optimization leaving investors without a unified basis for sizing storage shifting demand or upgrading transfers. We present a two-layer Hierarchical Model Predictive Control framework that links 15-min scheduling with 1-s corrective action and apply it to Germany’s four TSO zones under a stringent zero-exchange stress test derived from the NEP 2045 baseline. Batteries vehicleto-grid pumped hydro and power-to-gas technologies are captured through aggregators; a decentralized optimizer pre-positions them while a fast layer refines setpoints as forecasts drift; all are subject to inter-zonal transfer limits. Year-long simulations hold frequency within ±2 mHz for 99.9% of hours and below ±10 mHz during the worst multi-day renewable lull. Batteries absorb sub-second transients electrolyzers smooth surpluses and hydrogen turbines bridge week-long deficits—none of which violate transfer constraints. Because the algebraic core is modular analysts can insert new asset classes or policy rules with minimal code change enabling policy-relevant scenario studies from storage mandates to capacity-upgrade plans. The work elevates predictive control from plantscale demonstrations to system-level planning practice. It unifies adequacy sizing and dynamic-performance evaluation in a single optimization loop delivering an open scalable blueprint for high-renewables assessments. The framework is readily portable to other interconnected grids supporting analyses of storage obligations hydrogen roll-outs and islanding strategies.

To meet decarbonization targets demand for low-emission hydrogen is increasing. A considerable share of supply will come from latecomer countries. We study how latecomer countries and firms participate in the emerging global low-emission hydrogen economy and how industrial policies can help maximize societal benefits. This requires a specific conceptualization of industrial policy: First the latecomer condition calls for specific policy mixes as latecomers typically cannot build on established innovation systems and network externalities and rather need to combine FDI attraction with measures strengthening absorptive capacity and ensuring knowledge transfer from FDI to domestic firms; second low-emission hydrogen is a policy-induced alternative that requires creating entirely new firm ecosystems while competing with lower-cost emission-intensive incumbent technologies. Hence industrial policies need to account for enhanced coordination failure and internalization of environmental costs. We analyze the published national hydrogen strategies of 20 latecomer economies and derive a novel typology differentiating four hydrogen-specific industrial development pathways. For each pathway we assess entry barriers and risks identify the policies suggested in the country strategies and discuss how likely those are to be successful. The novel pathway typology and comparison of associated policy mixes may help policymakers maximize the gains of hydrogen investments.