65 million euros for the construction of electrolyzers

20.06.2024

Source: Energie & Management Powernews

The Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs has launched the second round of its electrolyser funding program. The budget is higher this time from the outset. 

In the previous funding round last fall, the sum was initially set at 45 million euros. However, as this round was quickly oversubscribed, Bavarian Energy Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) subsequently increased the funding by a further 20 million euros. A total of 13 projects were awarded funding. With this "momentum", Bavaria now wants to start the next round in order to become a "hydrogen country", Aiwanger announced. In the second funding round that has now been launched, the funding amounts to 36 million euros right from the start. The aim of the Bavarian funding program for the development of an electrolysis infrastructure - "BayFELI" for short - is the construction of up to 50 electrolysis plants throughout Bavaria.

In the second round, the acquisition costs of electrolyzers and their directly connected plant components are to be subsidized with a funding rate of 45 percent. The prerequisite is a minimum electrical output of the system of 1 MW. Project outlines can be submitted to the project management organization, VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH, online from now until 9 August this year. According to the ministry, "the best sketches" will then be selected and their submitters invited to submit a full proposal.

In October 2023, the CSU and the Free Voters had spoken out in favor of a significantly stronger expansion of renewable energy plants in their coalition agreement. These form the basis for the production of green hydrogen. The two parties also announced their intention to become a "hydrogen hub in Europe". They want to provide a total of 700 million euros for the construction of filling stations and electrolysers.

Author: Davina Spohn