The German federal initiative to bolster hydrogen technology has made a decisive impact in Bremen and Bremerhaven, with the region receiving over €24 million for the development of two key hydrogen testing infrastructures.
This funding is a component of the National Hydrogen Strategy and Germany’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP), reflecting a concerted effort to integrate hydrogen and fuel cell technologies into aviation and maritime sectors.
Under the Hanseatic Hydrogen Center for Aviation and Maritime (H2AM), multiple test sites across Northern Germany, including Stade, Hamburg, and now Bremen/Bremerhaven, have been selected for their strategic importance in the testing of hydrogen technologies under real-world conditions. This comes alongside plans to develop an “LH2 Test Stand” in Bremen by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for aviation alternative fuels, and a “H2-3D Test Stand” in Bremerhaven which will feature a wave simulator, implemented by the Technology Transfer Center (ttz) Bremerhaven.
The initiative is significant not just for research and development, but also offers open access to private industry and startups. Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economy, Ports, and Transformation, emphasizes that the funding and subsequent infrastructure will facilitate cutting-edge advancements in environmentally friendly propulsion systems for air and marine transport. Bremen and Bremerhaven capitalize on a century of aerospace expertise and a robust maritime industry to strengthen their position as a leading hydrogen hub.
Melf Grantz, Mayor of Bremerhaven, further notes that the wave simulator is a natural extension of Bremerhaven’s hydrogen capabilities. The city is adeptly combining its strong maritime advantages with an expanding hydrogen network that already sees use in electrolyzers, fueling stations, and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Bremerhaven’s dedication to tackling societal and technological challenges is evident as the city aligns its vast scientific landscape with burgeoning hydrogen applications.
The funding for the “LH2 Test Stand” envisions a sophisticated research and testing environment for the safe use of liquid hydrogen in future passenger aircraft. Supported by €12 million from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the laboratory in Bremen will enable testing of components and systems of liquid hydrogen tanks under cryogenic conditions. Its strategic location in the Bremen Airport City leverages established synergies with Airbus and ECOMAT.
Similarly, the “H2-3D Test Stand” in Bremerhaven will serve companies in the shipbuilding sector, particularly focusing on hydrogen and fuel cell-based components for marine propulsion systems. The site aims to empower small and medium enterprises as well as startups, enhancing Germany’s technological leadership. This venture, also backed by nearly €12 million from BMDV, will feature a mobility testing center for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
This expansive infrastructure initiative ties into the broader goals of the H2AM, which seeks to provide expansive testing capacities for revolutionary hydrogen applications in aviation and maritime propulsion systems. Originating from a 2020 initiative by the BMDV, the H2AM illustrates the drive to support industrial development needs across varying technological readiness levels and capitalize on northern Germany’s coastal proximity and renewable energy production.
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