The southwest German state of Baden-Württemberg is supporting the development of local electrolysis capacity with the ELY funding program. Funding is provided for the new construction of electrolyzers that produce renewable hydrogen through water electrolysis. The focus is on building hydrogen hubs in the state. The electrolyzers are to be constructed in line with regional expansion of the electricity grid and renewable energy installations.
One background to the program is that the hydrogen core network approved by the Federal Network Agency in October 2024 does not cover all regions in Baden-Württemberg. And implementation of the core network will still take time, according to the state. The additional necessary expansion of the hydrogen network must occur through the Gas and Hydrogen Network Development Plan. Until the long-distance pipelines are built and previously unconnected areas are linked, local generation capacities and value chains are to be established on site.
After the first funding call in 2025, the program is to continue in 2026 with a second round. According to state information, the goal is to achieve sufficient hydrogen supply in the medium term and secure the competitiveness of Baden-Württemberg companies.
