With the official project launch, the Hydrogen Innovation Center (HIC) in Chemnitz has begun its work. The centre is one of four locations of the national Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Centre (ITZ H2) and is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) with around €70 million.
Test environment for hydrogen technologies spanning 37,000 square metres
The HIC’s goal is to accelerate research, development and innovation in hydrogen technologies. Its primary focus is on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often lack their own research infrastructure.
According to the project sponsor, a development and testing environment unique in Europe is being established on the 37,000 square metre technology campus in Chemnitz. For the first time, hydrogen laboratories, test benches and development platforms will be available for rent. This will also enable SMEs to develop and test their own products and processes in the hydrogen sector. “These facilities will speed up the transformation of the supplier industry towards sustainable drive systems,” said Bettina Lauer, Ministerial Director at the Federal Ministry of Transport, at the opening ceremony.
€290 million in federal funding
The HIC is part of the decentralised Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Centre, which is receiving up to €290 million in federal funding. The funds come in part from Germany’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP) and the EU’s NextGenerationEU programme.
The funding directive is coordinated by the federally owned NOW and implemented by Project Management Jülich. The federal state of Saxony is also contributing to the financing. “The Hydrogen Innovation Center in Chemnitz is a prime example of how strong networks create synergies that strengthen Germany’s position as a technology hub in international competition,” said NOW CEO Dagmar Fehler.
