(Berlin) - In the competition to select the location of an innovation and technology center for hydrogen technology (ITZ), three applicants have advanced to the next round and, in the first step, receive a feasibility study on its feasibility. The study forms the basis for the final choice of location for building the center. The ITZ will focus on the value chain of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in the mobility sector. “The center will offer small and medium-sized companies and start-ups in particular the development environment they need to position themselves on the international market,” says the lead Federal Ministry of Transport and Digitalization.
Of the 15 applicants, only the Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia), Chemnitz (Saxony) and Pfeffenhausen (Bavaria) locations ultimately convinced the ministry and received funding for a feasibility study on the hydrogen application center. The three winners of the project selection:
Hydrogen and Mobility Innovation Center (HIC) in Chemnitz
Behind the HIC is an alliance of Saxon companies, research institutions, universities, state politics and associations. These include BMW, the automotive supplier Vitesco Technologies, the technical universities in Chemnitz and Dresden, the Fraunhofer Society, the HZwo innovation cluster and a number of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) with around 10.000 jobs. Companies from Thuringia and Bavaria also belong to the HIC alliance. The aim is to “advance the creation of value creation based on fuel cells for vehicle applications”. (more Info)
Hydrogen Technology User Center (WTAZ) in Pfeffenhausen
With the planning of the WTAZ, the HyBayern region is aiming to accelerate the technology transfer from research to industry and offers companies consistent support from applied research through development, testing, certification and standardization. One main area of application is liquid hydrogen. (more Info)
Hydrogen Technologies Technology and Innovation Center (TIW) in Duisburg
The TIW covers the spectrum of innovation development, knowledge transfer, testing and verification of fuel cell-based drive systems for road, rail, water and air transport as well as training and further education, especially for start-ups and SMEs. It accompanies product development from the idea to application. (more Info)
A joint investigation with a focus on aviation and shipping is being funded for three other applicants – Bremerhaven, Hamburg and Stade.
Photos
Federal Ministry of Transport and Digitalization, Berlin / © BMVI
