The Hydrogen Catalyst for the Rhenish Mining Area
In the structural transformation of the Rhenish mining area, HC-H2 is intended to play a role similar to that of a catalyst in chemical reactions: it lowers barriers, brings the right partners together and accelerates processes. HC-H2 showcases innovative hydrogen technologies that can help reshape the Rhenish mining area – transforming it from a region historically centred on lignite-based energy production into one where sustainable and climate-friendly energy technologies are developed.
The coordinating core of HC-H2 is the Institute for a sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE), founded in 2021 at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Within HC-H2, the IHE has three main functions. It brings innovative technologies from research into practical application. These technologies may have been developed at the institute itself, at other institutes of Forschungszentrum Jülich, or at other research institutions and departments. In addition, the IHE coordinates demonstration projects in the Rhenish mining area. In these projects, partners work together to combine their respective strengths in joint initiatives, with the aim of demonstrating the market readiness of their shared ideas as quickly as possible. Another important aspect is supporting partners, for example during the process of applying for funding.
HC-H2 is intended to enable partners to further develop innovative technologies. To this end, they receive funding and expert support. In this way, HC-H2 aims to contribute to building new economic strength as a counterbalance to the phase-out of lignite mining and power generation. This economic strength is to emerge from hydrogen technologies capable of making hydrogen a cornerstone of the climate-friendly energy system of the future.
The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are providing HC-H2 with more than one billion euros in funding until 2038.
Contact
- Institute for a sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE)
Room 2014
- Institute for a sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE)
Room Desksharing