87 million euros for new hydrogen center in Chemnitz

The federal and state governments are pushing ahead with the establishment of a new hydrogen research center in Chemnitz. The Hydrogen Innovation Center (HIC) is part of the national hydrogen center. It is primarily intended to offer development, testing and inspection opportunities to small and medium-sized companies and the supplier industry. The federal government is funding the project with up to 72 million euros, while the state is contributing around 15 million euros for its construction by 2028. Both sides have now signed an administrative agreement.

The HZwo technology cluster was awarded the contract for one of four locations for the national hydrogen center in 2021. In addition to Chemnitz, these are Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia), Pfeffenhausen (Bavaria) and a consortium from northern Germany.

"I am delighted that the HIC is finally picking up speed," said Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Dulig (SPD). The administrative agreement gives the project partners planning security. "We urgently need the expertise of the bright minds from Chemnitz to decarbonize heavy goods transport so that hydrogen trucks, buses and commercial vehicles will also shape the road landscape in the future."

The new development and test environment for hydrogen technologies will be unique in Europe, explained HIC Managing Director Karl Lötsch. "Hydrogen is a pillar of the energy system of the future and the competition for international leadership in the required hydrogen technologies has long since begun."

Electricity can be used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When the electricity comes from renewable sources such as wind and solar power, we are talking about green hydrogen. It is intended to help replace fossil fuels in the future - for example in trucks or energy-intensive companies in the chemical and metal industries.