German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg forge hydrogen alliance

The southern German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have joined forces to push hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, and to ensure their industrial centres will receive sufficient supplies. The state premiers stressed the importance of green hydrogen made with renewable energy as a future energy source.  "For the future of energy supply, we need close cross-border partnerships,” said Bavarian premier Markus Söder. “Supplying the South with hydrogen, but also with gas, is of crucial importance for all of Germany […] If the South is left behind, Germany's future is at stake. That's why we created the hydrogen alliance.” Baden-Württemberg premier Winfried Kretschmann added that the repercussions of the war in Ukraine had made the challenges of energy security evident. “We see how complex, difficult and sometimes impossible it is to make short-term course corrections in the energy sector. That is why we have to set the course today for the market ramp-up of hydrogen with the pipeline infrastructure.” A central requirement for the industry-heavy southern states is a direct supply, Kretschmann said. “The hydrogen must arrive where it is particularly needed in Germany: in the industrial centres, which include Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.”

The states plan to strengthen their positions as technology locations for hydrogen and fuel cells. “Our renowned research and development facilities and the high technological competence and innovative strength of our companies offer excellent opportunities for this," Kretschmann added. Among the states’ goals is closer cooperation between their dedicated hydrogen hubs, the Center Hydrogen.Bavaria (H2.B) and Baden-Württemberg’s Plattform H2BW, as well as the further development and expansion of joint industrial cooperation and intensified cooperation in the planning of a national hydrogen filling station network.