Germany
Involvement
Intensive research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) on hydrogen technologies was started in Germany in 1988 and concentrated on the development of specific technologies, such as hydrogen production using electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and larger projects, to demonstrate the complete supply chain of a solar hydrogen energy economy (HYSOLAR and the Solar-Hydrogen-Bavaria Project, BAYSOLAR). This work was concluded in 1995 and 1999 with the result that, in principle, the main components of a hydrogen energy system were developed and functioning; however, the commercial viability of a solar hydrogen economy could only be realized in the far future. Ambitious projects concentrating on new materials, improved components, and system integration have been supported.
In 2006, the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Program (NIP) was established as a strategic alliance between the German government, industry, and the academic community. These partners are forging ahead in preparing the market for hydrogen and fuel cell applications. To this end, in addition to research and development (R&D) work, the program focuses on extensive demonstration projects in the following sectors: transport including hydrogen infrastructure, stationary applications, and special markets.
The NIP has a total budget of 1.4 billion euro (€) (US$2.044 billion). Half of the budget is contributed by the German government — the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building, and Urban Affairs (BMVBS) and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) — while industry participants provide the other half. Research and development projects are funded through the BMWi, which contributes €200 million (US$293 million), while demonstration projects are funded through the BMVBS, which contributes €500 million (US$32.5 million).
The National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW) coordinates and manages the implementation of the NIP. A federally owned body, NOW is the central point in a new strategic alliance that embraces the German government, industry, and the academic community. NOW’s novel approach brings together these partners as equals and maintains a platform through which they can further develop the NIP in line with their own needs, thus making the best possible use of the specific qualities of each partner.
NOW focuses on so-called lighthouse projects, in which NIP project partners are grouped on a regional or topic-specific basis so as to create strong cooperative projects.
The German fuel cell industry is very likely the market leader in Europe, not only in terms of the number of companies involved and people employed but also in terms of showing leadership through a variety of demonstration projects — as underscored by the fact that more than 70% of today’s European fuel cell demonstration units are located in Germany.
Germany is participating actively in the European Union’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform and is actively involved in the International Partnership on Hydrogen Economy (IPHE).
Participants
Participants are the main industry players from all sectors and the academic community, as well as political decision makers and ministerial departments. The NOW advisory board, strategy council, and general assembly essentially represent the hydrogen and fuel cell community in Germany.