The Rügen-Stralsund, Erfurt and Rhine-Ruhr regions each receive investment grants of up to 15 million euros for the procurement of hydrogen technologies in the transport sector and can now move their projects into the implementation phase. HyPerformer refers to the highest funding level of the federal HyLand competition in the framework of the NIP II funding programme. These are regions that not only have developed their hydrogen strategy, but are now implementing it on a large scale. They represent concrete investments, functioning infrastructure and practical hydrogen mobility in everyday life.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder: “Germany is a technology leader and pioneer in hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Now we are applying this expertise to everyday life. Our funding enables the practical use of innovative hydrogen solutions in transport. We support regions that have built sustainable infrastructure and now want to take the next step, from planning to practical application in transport. Our goal is clear: to expand hydrogen technology across the nation and make a significant contribution to climate protection in transport.”
Dagmar Fehler, CEO and Spokesperson of NOW GmbH: “With the new HyPerformer regions, the BMV is illustrating how hydrogen technologies can make the leap from concept to concrete application. The projects in Rügen-Stralsund, Erfurt and Rhine-Ruhr demonstrate how regional added value, efficient infrastructure and climate-friendly mobility can work together. For us at NOW, it is crucial for us to support these pioneers with expertise and programme management. After all, this is precisely the birthplace of the blueprint for market ramp-up in Germany.”
The projects are each funded with up to 15 million euros by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) under the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP2). The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).
The three new HyPerformer II regions are implementing very different, but each fully developed regional hydrogen concepts. Rügen-Stralsund is developing an integrated hydrogen value chain on the basis of an established network of local actors. The funding enables applications in regional and freight transport; at the same time, waste heat produced from hydrogen generation will be efficiently fed into a local district network. This is an example of intelligent integration of transport and energy supply.
In Erfurt, TH2ECO-Mobility is creating a comprehensive approach to climate-neutral mobility. At the heart of the project is a freight transport hub that will be operated using hydrogen trucks and a high-capacity refuelling infrastructure on the basis of regionally-generated hydrogen. Expected savings of around 10,000 tonnes CO₂ per year show the substantial potential of hydrogen solutions in commercial transport.
The Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region is using its urban structure and high population density to roll out hydrogen on a large scale. The project connects the generation of green hydrogen with an extensive network of refuelling infrastructure for buses, municipal fleets, logistics vehicles and cars. This results in a regional application cluster that serves as a model for other metropolitan regions.
Since the programme launched in 2019, HyLand has been motivating stakeholders across Germany to develop hydrogen projects and bring them to fruition. With the three new HyPerformer regions, HyLand now comprises 54 funded hydrogen regions. Further information can be found under www.hy.land.
About NOW GmbH
NOW GmbH has been supporting the federal government since 2008 to achieve its climate and industrial policy goals. Tasks of this federally-owned company include developing, supporting, and evaluating funding programs related to climate-neutral mobility and energy supply. The experts at NOW GmbH oversee projects in the fields of hydrogen, fuel cells, batteries, and renewable fuels; they are reimagining mobility and fuels for cars, buses, trains, commercial vehicles, ships, and aircraft—and support the establishment and further development of charging infrastructure as well as hydrogen refuelling stations for cars and trucks. More information about NOW is available here.
Image rights: BMV
