On August 21, 2025, the 5th Central German Hydrogen Congress took place in the town of Halle. The event was hosted by the European Metropolitan Region Central Germany and the Hypos association. More than 450 participants from business, science, politics and public administration came together to discuss progress in building the hydrogen economy in the Federal States of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
The event focused on the development of a Central German hydrogen network and industrial value chains based on green hydrogen. In three technical sessions, more than 30 experts presented current developments – including projects for filling the hydrogen core network, regional production initiatives, storage solutions and applications in industry and mobility.
Numerous flagship projects from Central Germany and other regions demonstrated how the market ramp-up is being implemented in practice. It became clear that technological innovation, economic commitment and political support must go hand in hand.
“The fifth edition of the leading hydrogen congress in Central Germany shows that the market ramp-up of green hydrogen remains challenging. However, the progress in building the hydrogen core network and the strong commitment of regional stakeholders demonstrate the potential of Central Germany,” said Jörn-Heinrich Tobaben, Managing Director of the European Metropolitan Region Central Germany.
Axel Klug, Managing Director of Hypos.V., also emphasized the importance of reliable framework conditions: “The project progress in Central Germany shows that the interaction of economic commitment, technological innovation and political support is essential for the success of the hydrogen market ramp-up.”
Another item on the agenda was a panel discussion with representatives of the state governments of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. The discussion focused on funding programs, state strategies and concrete plans for building the hydrogen economy in eastern Germany.
Just in time for the congress, the organizers published the fifth edition of the Central German Hydrogen Atlas. The approximately 90-page publication lists more than 70 projects and stakeholders from the fields of infrastructure, value creation, research, networks and training.
The congress was supported by numerous partners. Premium partner was Ontras Gastransport. Exhibitors included Borsig, Brunel, the DBI Group, Dekra, Endress+Hauser, Eurowind Energy, Exxeta, Mitteldeutsche Netzgesellschaft Gas, TEAG, TÜV Süd, Vionta and VNG.
