Export Initiative Environmental Protection
Green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in decentralized energy supply
In many parts of the world, the energy supply is severely restricted by power outages or takes place decentrally with or without connection to a central power grid. Until now, environmentally harmful generators and fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel have often been used to supply electricity in these locations. By expanding electricity generation capacities from renewable sources in combination with green hydrogen and fuel cell technology, a sustainable, independent and, in the long term, economical decentralized energy supply is possible in these locations. The Export Initiative Environmental Protection (EXI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUKN) has been supporting projects in this field of action since 2021.
Decentralized energy supply systems that generate, store and provide electricity locally based on renewable energy sources can make an important contribution to a climate- and environmentally friendly, resilient energy supply. Green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies start right here:
- Using electricity from renewable sources, green hydrogen can be produced from water using an electrolyzer.
- This hydrogen can then be stored in a hydrogen storage facility for the short to long term.
- Fuel cells enable the stored green hydrogen to be converted back into electricity as required and can largely replace diesel generators.
Decentralized energy systems with hydrogen and fuel cell technologies offer various systemic advantages. In particular, in combination with other storage technologies, such as battery storage, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies can ensure an uninterrupted power supply. In the case of a closed system with an electrolyzer and fuel cell, the water produced during reconversion using a fuel cell can be reused for electrolysis. Further possible applications of integrated hydrogen and fuel cell systems may arise from the use of the by-products of electrolysis and fuel cells – hydrogen, oxygen and waste heat.
Germany has innovative companies, including many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with many years of experience in the development, production and application of these technologies. In order to enable them to win over international markets that have so far been little developed, the BMUKN has set up the field of action “Green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in decentralized energy supply” as part of the EXI funding program.
The EXI and the field of action “Green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies”
Since 2016, the BMUKN has been using its EXI funding program to support German GreenTech SMEs in disseminating innovative environmental technologies “Made in Germany” internationally. The aim is to create optimized environmental conditions for sustainable development and better environmental and living conditions in the target countries. The EXI projects contribute to the implementation of green services of general interest and environmentally sound services worldwide by supporting suitable infrastructures.
The field of action “Green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in decentralized energy supply” became part of the EXI in 2021. The associated funding is aimed at German SMEs and research institutions in the field of green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies who want to test these in decentralized energy supply in foreign markets. Priority is given to international pilot and demonstration projects with an investment component that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in countries of the Global South. Preparatory measures such as feasibility and conceptual design studies as well as initial projects by German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) are also eligible for funding.
All projects and studies aim to generate findings on technical implementation, economic aspects and business models under different local conditions and infrastructures. They create a basis for knowledge building and transfer, create initial framework conditions in international markets and pave the way for long-term use of the technologies worldwide.
Since 2021, pilot projects, feasibility studies and AHK projects in the field of green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have received EXI funding (see project world map). These can be viewed in the NOW project finder. The previous projects demonstrate the diverse application potential of solutions that integrate hydrogen and fuel cell technologies into decentralized renewable energy supply systems, e.g. for primary and emergency power supply of island grids, company locations or tourism and educational facilities. Further possible applications of integrated hydrogen and fuel cell systems may arise from the use of the by-products of electrolysis and fuel cells – hydrogen, oxygen and waste heat.
NOW as the program company of the EXI
Since 2021, NOW GmbH has been responsible for the EXI field of action “Green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in decentralized energy supply” and acts as a program company on behalf of the BMUKN. NOW supports projects of German companies and research institutions with international partners from initiation and implementation to successful completion. In addition, by linking the knowledge gained in the individual EXI projects, it creates a knowledge platform that is expanded and deepened through complementary publications such as studies and factsheets. As a contact partner for this subject area, it actively communicates findings to relevant stakeholders, promotes professional exchange, particularly in industry and research, and supports the networking of topics, but also of project partners with other organizations commissioned by the Federal Government.
NOW GmbH works closely with Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH, which has been supporting the BMUKN in performing its tasks as the EXI project executing organization since 2022. Furthermore, there is close cooperation with the Chambers for GreenTech of DIHK Service GmbH, which are directly connected to the German AHKs.
Further information
Please contact us if you have any questions about the EXI field of action “Green hydrogen and fuel cell technology in decentralized energy supply” at exportinitiative@now-gmbh.de or visit the website of the Export Initiative Environmental Protection.
