© Projektträger Jülich / Nicole Alexander
The Hydrogen Research Network – A Catalyst for Funding Strategies Related to Hydrogen
2 minutes to read 03. July 2026
Persons: f.l.t.r. Eva Mühle, Mario Ragwitz, Joachim Kloock (BMFTR), Matthias Müller, Isabel Kundler, Axel Bree (BMWE)
Hydrogen is considered one of the key technologies for the decarbonization of industry, transportation, and energy supply. As such, it is also one of the core topics of the key technologies “Fusion and Climate-Neutral Energy Generation” in the High-Tech Agenda Germany (HTAD). As part of the German federal government’s National Hydrogen Strategy, the Hydrogen Research Network was founded in 2020. The Hydrogen Research Network focuses on application-oriented energy research and the transfer of knowledge into practice. Experts from industry, universities, and research institutes exchange ideas on the production, storage, distribution, and cross-sectoral use of hydrogen, as well as on topics such as safety, public acceptance, and sustainable market introduction.
What is the research network about?
The Hydrogen Research Network provides a technology-neutral, dialogue-oriented forum where experts from five thematic clusters jointly discuss current research questions, develop recommendations for action, and influence funding strategies related to hydrogen. This regular exchange not only gives rise to new collaborative projects but also yields concrete recommendations that are incorporated into federal and state funding policies, thereby reducing investment risks and accelerating the market readiness of hydrogen technologies. “The Hydrogen Research Network is all about connecting experts. At the same time, the goal is to provide advice and support when questions arise from policymakers or businesses,” says Dr. Simon Pichlmaier (Head of Hydrogen and Synthetic Energy Carriers at FfE), describing the network’s purpose in a video interview.
How does the network work?
The Hydrogen Research Network consists of more than 1,500 active members and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) as part of the Energy Research Program. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) and the Federal Ministry of Transportation (BMV) also support the initiative. Regular network meetings and monthly online events facilitate both professional exchange and networking, and recommendations and position statements are developed to, among other things, accelerate the transfer of knowledge and technology in this field. Dr. Geert Tjarks, Managing Director of EWE HYDROGEN GmbH, emphasizes in a video interview: “For us as an industrial company, it is very important to maintain contact with the research community. The network meetings are particularly exciting for us because they give us the opportunity to speak with various stakeholders and exchange experiences.” Among other platforms, the research networks’ own intranet serves as a forum for exchange. Interested parties can register here free of charge.
Connection to the HTAD
Hydrogen technologies are addressed in the key technologies “Fusion and Climate-Neutral Energy Generation” and “Technologies for Climate-Neutral Mobility.” One of the clusters in the research network focuses on issues related to safety, societal acceptance, communication, and the education and training of professionals in hydrogen technologies. This addresses the levers “Strengthening Resilience in the Scientific System” and “Attracting Skilled Workers and Talent.”
