Power to X
Now that the energy transition has been successful both nationally and regionally, particularly in the electricity sector, there is a need for gradual decarbonisation in the heat supply and transport sectors and to avoid process-related greenhouse gases in the commercial and industrial sector.
In addition to the implementation of climate policy goals, the gradual establishment of a green hydrogen economy is an important building block for a successful economic development strategy for the Chemnitz region.
Economic development in the region is closely linked to the scientific landscape, which is characterised by Chemnitz University of Technology, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, the Universities of Applied Sciences in Zwickau and Mittweida, the state academies and 26 research institutes. This provides the Chemnitz region with an excellent and sustainable network for up-and-coming and sustainable economic development in line with the realisation of international, national and regional climate protection goals.
By tackling the causes of climate change and the associated phase-out of the use of fossil fuels, the Chemnitz region is undergoing serious structural change, which is affecting not only the energy and transport sectors but also the automotive industry and its suppliers in particular. The aim is to secure around 25,000 jobs in this sector and to lead it into the future through innovation.
Since 2015, companies and research institutions in the region have been working intensively and in close partnership on the research and development of green hydrogen technologies and the industrial production of fuel cells. To bundle and strengthen their expertise, they founded HZwo e. V. in Chemnitz in 2017, which supports the Saxon innovation cluster of the same name "HZwo - Antrieb für Sachsen" for fuel cells and green hydrogen technologies. Its aim is to create a Saxon value creation network for green hydrogen and fuel cells, to promote research and knowledge transfer and to make the region's expertise visible in Germany, Europe and internationally.
Based on the key points outlined, the Chemnitz region offers all the prerequisites for actively taking up the structural change that has already begun and successfully helping to shape it by establishing and promoting green hydrogen and a fuel cell industry within the framework of the following regional fields of action, in particular in order to achieve the Paris climate protection targets. This includes
- utilising green hydrogen as aCO2-free energy source
- green hydrogen as part of the drive and mobility transition
- green hydrogen as part of the heating transition
- Establishing a dynamic hydrogen industry with global visibility
- Utilising hydrogen as a subject of research, innovation and source of added value
- Strengthen the Chemnitz hydrogen region as a brand
Startschuss für das Hydrogen Innovation Center ist gefallen
Am 6.März 2025 übergab der Bundesminister für Digitales und Verkehr, Herr Dr. Volker Wissing, dem HZwo e. V. einen Fördermittelbescheid in Höhe von 84,4 Millionen Euro. Damit ist die Finanzierung des Hydrogen Innovation Center (HIC) in Chemnitz final gesichert. Das HIC-Forschungs- und Transferzentrum am Technologiecampus in Chemnitz wird seinen Betrieb offiziell im Sommer 2025 aufnehmen. Die nächsten Schwerpunkte sind der Abschluss der Bauplanung sowie die Einholung der Baugenehmigung, sodass schnellstmöglich die Grundsteinlegung erfolgen kann. Die Inbetriebnahme des ersten Bauabschnitts ist für das Jahr 2026 vorgesehen.
Final report HyExperts
Chemnitz hydrogen model region
On 20 September 2023, the "HyExperts Hydrogen Model Region Chemnitz" study was presented in the chamber hall of the Chemnitz Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The study was commissioned by the city of Chemnitz together with the HZwo e. V. association and the region.
It is primarily concerned with the establishment of regional value chains for the production, transport, storage and provision of green hydrogen. The focus is on the mobility sector, looking at public transport, heavy goods vehicles, motorised private transport and special applications for H2-powered vehicles such as waste disposal, agriculture and others.
It becomes clear that the Chemnitz region will be dependent on hydrogen imports and that a connection to the European hydrogen core network is necessary. "The next step will be to implement the short, medium and long-term goals and projects," says the Lord Mayor of the City of Chemnitz, Mr Sven Schulze. "Important for this are: Commitment, inventiveness, a functioning network and also investment in the public and private sectors."
The districts of Erzgebirgskreis, Vogtlandkreis, Mittelsachsen and Zwickau as well as the city of Zwickau worked together with the environmental department of the city of Chemnitz, eins energie sachsen GmbH & Co. KG and HZwo e. V. to develop a joint funding application for the Chemnitz hydrogen region.
The project was funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV). The final report is available free of charge at the following link.