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Funding advice –
Hydrogen Guidance Service

Introduction

Are you interested in the federal funding available for hydrogen? The Federal Government is supporting hydrogen technology along the entire value chain: from production to transport, infrastructure and storage, and practical applications. A large number of funding programmes address the needs and activities of companies from various sectors and of higher education institutions, research institutions and other stakeholders, in order to support them as well as possible in the interest of a rapid rollout of hydrogen technologies.

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From basic research through to application-related issues, funding is going to projects that enable quick transfer of innovations into practice. Further to this, funding is also provided for investment in technologies and large-scale installations using green hydrogen in order to speed up the decarbonisation of manufacturing processes. One example is the substitution of natural gas by green hydrogen in direct reduction steel facilities.

The funding generally takes place in the form of support for specific projects based on funding guidelines or specific calls for applications for funding. These guidelines and calls describe the relevant targets, target groups, priorities, special features and the application procedure.

In addition to the market ramp-up of hydrogen technologies in Germany, the intention is also to build up and expand European and international partnerships. In this way, the funding measures described here address projects at national, European and international level. In addition, the Federal Government is also aiming to put a supportive policy framework in place.

Funding measures and advice

Here you can find an overview of current federal funding measures relating to hydrogen. You can discuss the details of which funding fits your field of interest with the Hydrogen Guidance Service.

Also, funding measures are presented for which no applications can be made at present, but which are nevertheless of relevance to the plans of creating a hydrogen economy. These are either measures which are still under development (e.g. carbon contracts for difference) or measures where the call has already been concluded (e.g. IPCEI on hydrogen). If there is a likelihood that it will be possible to submit projects in future, e.g. in the context of specific calls for applications for funding, this is stated.

The funding information on this website is updated regularly. Current calls for proposals for funding, specific submission deadlines and new funding measures for specific areas are published on this site.

Possibilities for funding at national level

The Federal Government is funding projects in Germany along the entire value chain (production, transport/infrastructure, applications).

Here you can find an overview of national funding measures relating to hydrogen. You can discuss the details of which funding fits your project with the Hydrogen Guidance Service.

Possibilities for funding at national level

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Here you can find an overview of national funding measures relating to hydrogen.

Overview

Funding opportunities at EU level 

In view of its ambitious energy and climate targets in the Green Deal (55% cut in GHG emissions between 1990 and 2030), the European Commission is also assigning a key role to hydrogen for the European energy transition. The focus is on the establishment of a European hydrogen market and cross-border hydrogen infrastructure. 

In the context of its Fit for 55 package, it is addressing the desired market ramp-up of hydrogen technologies both by means of measures to create a suitable regulatory environment and via funding measures. 

The Federal Government is supporting participation in projects in the context of EU initiatives. Among other things, it has worked to advance the process towards the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) on hydrogen. This is a central funding instrument for the ramp-up of hydrogen at EU level. The IPCEI on hydrogen is to fund flagship projects of cross-border European interest. Project outlines could be submitted from 14 January to 19 February 2021 as part of the national expression of interest procedure. At the end of May 2021, 62 of the hydrogen projects received were selected, which are now gradually being submitted to the European Commission for notification (approval).

Further information (in German) is available at:

https://www.bmwi.de/IPCEI-Wasserstoff

Press release: Economic Affairs Ministry and Transport Ministry pave the way for large-scale hydrogen projects (in German)

Funding opportunities at EU level

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Here you can find an overview of national funding measures for activities relating to hydrogen at EU level (in German).

Overview

Funding opportunities at international level

In order to implement the National Hydrogen Strategy, the Federal Government is initiating bilateral and multilateral funding measures and initiatives outside Europe and is thus supporting activities in the international arena. 

Funding opportunities in an international context

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Here you can find an overview of national funding measures for activities relating to hydrogen at international level.

Overview

Funding hotline of the Hydrogen Guidance Service

Do you have any questions about the Federal Government's funding programmes on hydrogen? The Hydrogen Guidance Service will gladly advise you on your specific interest and explain the relevant support available in an initial advisory session.

You can email the Hydrogen Guidance Service at lotsenstelle@nationale-wasserstoffstrategie.de or contact it directly by phone on +49 30 201 99 420. 

To help us prepare an initial advisory session and understand your need for support, please have some basic facts ready. The following questions may help you with this:

  • What exactly do you need the funding for?
  • Is research or development involved? If yes, which activities will likely take place?
  • Who will be involved (your institution/your company alone or in collaboration with partners)?
  • Under which sector or technology do you categorise your idea or need?
  • How high are the likely costs, and how much funding or support do you need?
  • For companies: How large is your company (small, medium, large)?

The Hydrogen Guidance Service is a central service of the Federal Government, aiming to quickly and precisely match the available federal funding with the needs of the various stakeholders in the hydrogen sector. The Hydrogen Guidance Service is based in the Federal Funding Advisory Service on Research and Innovation.

Contacting the Hydrogen Guidance Service 
Information service of the Federal Funding Advisory Service on Research and Innovation

Hotline: +49 30 - 201 99 420 
Email: lotsenstelle@nationale-wasserstoffstrategie.de 

International cooperation on hydrogen 

Germany will have to meet the bulk of its hydrogen needs through imports. Against this background, it is becoming increasingly important to build up and strengthen robust and reliable partnerships with third countries.

For many years, the Federal Government has been forging bilateral energy partnerships with potential partner countries around the globe. Over time, it has continuously added further partnerships, while intensifying and consolidating existing ones. For an overview of existing partnerships, collaborations and alliances of the Federal Government in the hydrogen sector, please click on the following link: “Overview”

International cooperation on hydrogen 

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Here you can find an overview of the partnerships, collaborations and alliances for international cooperation on hydrogen.

Overview