Germany
Policy and Legislation
The German government adopted the NIP as part of its “high-tech strategy” in spring 2006. The program aims to contribute to maintaining and expanding Germany’s good starting position for developing and implementing hydrogen and fuel cell technology in the marketplace. The Innovation Program includes RD&D of mobile as well as stationary applications of fuel cells and hydrogen.
Complementing fuel cells, battery technology will be further developed as a key technology. The new €500-million (US$732.5 million) program for e-mobility is based on the 2009 economic stimulus package. It runs from 2009 to 2011.
Federal Government
Public funding of BMWi and BMVBS will amount to €1.4 billion euro from 2006 to 2016 (NIP) and guarantees substantial institutional funding for basic research at Max-Planck Gesellschaft (MGP), Helmholtz-Centers (HGF), and Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (FhG), as well as RD&D projects carried out by the industry.
Federal States
Most federal states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg, have initiatives and funding programs. For example, North Rhine-Westphalia has funded 85 projects since 2000. The annual funding amount averaged approximately €10 million (US$14.65 million). Because of a new, larger-scale project (“hydrogen highway”), the annual funding amount for the coming 3 years will be €15 million (US$21.97 million). Hamburg funded six major projects between 2003 and 2008 that totaled €15.2 million (US$22.2 million). Between 2009 and 2013, Hamburg will spend €18.4 million (US$26.96 million) on hydrogen and fuel cell projects.
Research and Development
In the NIP framework, R&D projects are funded by the BMWi, while BMVBS focuses its funding more on demonstration projects. BMWI funding for R&D in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen technology accounted for €25–30 million (US$36.62-43.95 million) over the past 3 years (from 2006 to 2009).