The funding is aimed specifically at German technology companies in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology that are seeking to establish themselves on an international level and create sales markets worldwide, as well as research institutions based in Germany that are engaged in the scientific realisation and monitoring of a project. Priority is given to international pilot/demonstration projects in which German companies and research institutions based in Germany contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the general advancement of knowledge and the associated opening of the market. Preparatory measures such as feasibility and conceptualisation studies as well as initial projects by German Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad (AHK – Außenhandelskammern) are also eligible for funding.
The BMUV initiated the “Export Initiative Environmental Protection” (EXI) in 2016. Since 2021, projects in the field of “green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies” for off-grid and decentralised power supply can be explicitly funded via the associated guideline, which was amended on 27.5.21 and published in the Federal Gazette (“Bundesanzeiger”). Through funded measures in the area of the export of green and sustainable (environmental) infrastructure, knowledge and application of innovative climate protection technologies and their infrastructure are to be exchanged and made accessible internationally. In order to achieve concrete and sustainable development, suitable capacities and supply chains are also to be established on site, appropriate framework conditions are to be created and cross-project knowledge is to be gained and reviewed.
The submission of project outlines is principally possible on an ongoing basis beyond the annual deadline for the prioritisation of outlines – and is expressly encouraged. Further information can be found on the website of the Export Initiative Environmental Protection.
Project ideas can be discussed in advance with the Export Initiative team at any time and refined within the framework of the NOW advisory service for the first formal step of the outline submission. The general information provided by the EXI project management agency provides an overview of the applicable funding conditions and formal requirements for outlines and funding applications.