The German Ministry of Education and Research will invest at least €300m into advancing research into green hydrogen, by 2023.
The €300m set aside for technology to produce hydrogen from wind, solar and other zero carbon electricity sources, follows in the wake of a the German cabinet approving its ‘climate package’ draft package.
Federal Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek said: “We will increase the intensity of our research into green hydrogen, that is, hydrogen produced by the sun and wind.
“Green hydrogen is the energy carrier of the future and a key foundation needed for us to meet our climate goals.”
The new figure is on top of €180m in ministry funds already allocated to green hydrogen research in the last few years, according to Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI).
In July, Federal Economic Affairs and Energy Minister Peter Altmaier announced €300m from his own department to support hydrogen research and has promised that Germany will become the “world number one” in hydrogen technologies.
“By the end of this year, the government will decide on a hydrogen strategy with which we will create the conditions enabling businesses to further develop its industrial potential,” Altmaier said.
GTAI energy, construction and environmental technologies director Esther Frey said: “Hydrogen technologies offer enormous potential for the Energiewende, climate protection and new jobs.
“This initiative shows how serious Germany is about supporting this technology. It should provide a major boost to this sector.”