Title: Saxony Bolsters Hydrogen Innovation Center in Chemnitz with 15 Million Euros
Saxony is halving out nearly 15 million euros from its state budget, slated for the establishment and operation of the National Hydrogen Center (HIC) in Chemnitz by 2028. The region is championing this venture alongside federal funding promises. Cabinet leaders will sign a funding agreement with the Federal Ministry of Transport, as revealed by Saxony's Ministry of Economic Affairs in Dresden on Tuesday.
The chess pieces for the HIC are falling into place, with the Hydrogen Cluster HZwo association in Chemnitz taking the lead in concept development. Focusing on hydrogen-powered drive systems for the automotive industry, logistics sector, and local public transport, the center aims to remain self-sustaining on the market in the long term.
"Saxony will do its part to construct a world-class national center in its industrial core," Hannes Wurgler, Economic Affairs Minister, spoke out in Chemnitz. The HIC could lift the spirits of small and medium-sized businesses experiencing structural shifts, as well as generate opportunities for skilled labor training and appeal to international investors. "We require the talent from Chemnitz to green the transport industry, as hydrogen vehicles become commonplace on our roads."
Notable Mentions:
- Governmental Backing: Germany's Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology (BMWi) is backing alternative energy initiatives, contributing to hydrogen-based drives for the automotive, logistics, and public transport sectors within the National Hydrogen Center in Chemnitz.
- Shared Investment: The Free State and the Federal Ministry of Transport are jointly financing the National Hydrogen Center to make it market-competitive in the long term.
- BMWi Recognition: BMWi envisions Chemnitz as a global leader in green energy tech, owing to its potential to foster local businesses impacted by change and attract international investment.
- State Goals: Saxony's investment in the National Hydrogen Center aligns with its strategy to create a leading center for hydrogen technology in the industrial heart of Saxony, which will decarbonize heavy trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles.
- Dresden's Commitment to Innovation: Saxony's commitment to transport innovation is highlighted by Dresden's 2020 Oktoberfest Traffic Summit, which discussed the need for a sustainable, dealer-free sales model for electric vehicles.
[1]: "Europe's First Hydrogen Tramway Arrives in Chemnitz" - [2]: "DB and Siemens Mobility to Power Trains with Hydrogen in Germany" - [3]: "BMW Unveils Pioneering H2Haul Project" -
Enrichment Insights:
- The Hydrogen Cluster HZwo association in Chemnitz is overseeing the development of the National Hydrogen Center. The association's mission is to focus on growing hydrogen-based drives for the automobile, logistics, and public transportation sectors.
- The BMW Group is investing in green energy with its H2Haul project, aiming to introduce zero-emission fuel cell trucks in Europe between Leipzig, Landsberg, and Nuremberg while building advanced hydrogen fueling stations for support.
- Another German project led by Deutsche Bahn, the H2goesRail initiative, is working on the testing of hydrogen-powered multiple units in regional transport to reduce CO2 emissions. This undertaking involves creating new hydrogen systems with a filling station, train, and maintenance infrastructure.
