TransHyDE 2.0: Industry and Research Join Forces

With the aim of advancing the European hydrogen infrastructure, the TransHyDE 2.0 initiative will launch on May 6, 2025, in Berlin. Prof. Dr. Mario Ragwitz, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems IEG and current TransHyDE coordinator, will assume the role of Second Chair for Research Coordination. Fraunhofer IEG will contribute its expertise in energy system and transformation analysis and advise industry partners based on their research needs.

The Engine Room of a Future Hydrogen Infrastructure

TransHyDE 2.0 builds upon the national hydrogen flagship project TransHyDE and expands its holistic approach with industry-driven elements.

The initiative sees itself as:

• A nucleus for new hydrogen infrastructure and derivative projects
• A consulting platform for policymakers, business, and society
• A bridge between industry and research
• A network spanning the entire hydrogen value chain

At its core are seven implementation platforms (gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, ammonia, Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC), dimethyl ether (DME), carbon dioxide, and methanol), supported by four accompanying research platforms focusing on system analysis, standardization & safety, market & regulation, and public acceptance.

"With the research results from the first phase of the TransHyDE flagship project, we have set a crucial milestone for all stakeholders on the path toward an economically viable hydrogen infrastructure," says Prof. Mario Ragwitz. "With the upcoming platform in TransHyDE 2.0, we invite industry to bring in their concrete development needs and to initiate implementation projects in a coordinated way. Our joint energy system analysis will also help close technological gaps and build a functioning value chain."

Broad-Based Initiative

TransHyDE 2.0 is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Dr. Axel Bree, Deputy Director General for Hydrogen Ramp-Up and Energy Research, will strengthen the advisory board.

The initiative will launch with twelve strong founding members from research, industry, and business: Clean World Hydrogen Consulting GmbH, cruh21 – Part of Drees & Sommer, DVGW German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water, ENERTRAG SE, Eternal Power GmbH, Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE), Fraunhofer IEG, Gas- und Wärme-Institut Essen e.V., Mabanaft GmbH & Co. KG, NET4GAS s.r.o., SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH, and ZBT – Center for Fuel Cell Technology GmbH.

The designated founding board is composed of representatives from the founding members:

• Dr. Stefan Kaufmann (Clean World Hydrogen Consulting) – Chair
• Dr. Anne Bendzulla (ENERTRAG) – Vice Chair for Industry Coordination
• Dr. Friederike Eggert (SEFE) – Vice Chair for Industry Coordination
• Prof. Dr. Mario Ragwitz (Fraunhofer IEG) – Vice Chair for Research Coordination
• Jimmie Langham (cruh21 – Part of Drees & Sommer) – Vice Chair for Finance & Funding