Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg (ZSW)
Climate-neutral hydrogen plays a significant role in defossilization and is therefore essential for achieving climate targets in Baden-Württemberg. At the same time, it opens up new economic opportunities for the state. To speed up the energy transition, the use of sustainably produced hydrogen and its derivatives is essential.
The state agency e-mobil BW is actively driving this transformation forward. Through the H2BW platform and the Cluster Fuel Cell BW, it is specifically supporting the development of a future-ready hydrogen economy in Baden-Württemberg — by fostering networks, promoting knowledge transfer, and providing strategic impetus.
On the path to climate neutrality, hydrogen is an essential complement to electrification. Building a widespread and resilient hydrogen infrastructure requires both the expansion of the core national network and the development of regional H2 hubs. At the same time, Baden-Württemberg is securing access to key hydrogen import sources through international agreements and energy partnerships.
Building a high-performing hydrogen economy requires profound changes: new value chains must be established, business processes adapted, and partnerships reimagined in the context of global competition. At the same time, the development of efficient supply chains and infrastructure must be accelerated.
The state agency e-mobil BW is actively supporting this transformation process. Through the platform H2BW and the cluster Fuel Cell BW, it assists companies, associations, municipalities, and policymakers in building a future-ready hydrogen economy. The platform H2BW brings together information, projects, and activities related to hydrogen, while the cluster Fuel Cell BW connects key players in the industry, supports project development, and fosters expert dialogue and strategic collaboration.
To produce climate-neutral hydrogen, electrolysis is used: water is split into its components - hydrogen and oxygen - using electricity generated from renewable sources. The resulting green hydrogen can be stored and used as a final energy carrier in a wide range of applications, from industry and mobility to heat supply. In industrial processes and heating systems, hydrogen can replace fossil fuels and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, this forward-looking sector offers substantial economic potential for Baden-Württemberg’s industry.
For sustainable mobility, hydrogen - particularly in large and heavy vehicles—offers a promising alternative to battery-electric drives through the use of fuel cells. In a fuel cell, the electrolysis process is reversed: the chemical energy stored in hydrogen is converted directly into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction ("cold combustion"). The only by-products are water and heat - with no CO₂ emissions. Fuel cell technology thus enables an almost emission-free energy supply, especially in the transport sector.
