Federal Ministries Announce Funding Call in the Hydrogen Sector

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has, together with the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), published a second funding call for international hydrogen projects. The funding is aimed at German companies and research institutions that support the development of a global hydrogen market through projects outside Germany and aim to establish new import routes for green hydrogen to Germany.

The focus is on projects along the entire hydrogen value chain – from production through storage and processing to the application of hydrogen and its derivatives – in countries outside the European Economic Area as well as Switzerland. The goal is to strengthen strategies for diversifying supply sources and to promote technological innovations in partner countries.

The funding is divided into two modules: Module 1, managed by the BMWE, targets investment projects for the industrial production of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Module 2, funded by the BMFTR, covers accompanying research projects, preparatory scientific analyses and studies, as well as the expansion of relevant research infrastructure.

By focusing on international projects, the ministries aim to strengthen German expertise in hydrogen technologies in a global context. Module 1, in particular, emphasizes the role of the German Mittelstand as a technology supplier and project developer. Funding is generally provided as partial financing; a minimum co-financing of 50 percent of eligible costs is required. The BMWE offers approved projects funding of up to 30 million euros but notes that this commitment is subject to budgetary approval for 2026.