Review of the 3rd Regional Future Conference Hydrogen 2025
The technology region hydrogen Augsburg is picking up speed! Hydrogen is a central building block of the energy transition and a great opportunity for the economy.
More than 250 experts from industry, science and politics discussed current developments, regional projects and future prospects. The organisers of the successful format – the Regional Hydrogen Advisory Board – are pleased about the strong interest and the growing commitment of the stakeholders and call for participation in the Hydrogen Technology Region.
Bavaria's Minister of State for European Affairs and International Affairs, Eric Beißwenger, opened the event and emphasised the importance of hydrogen for the future of Bavaria as a business location. The region recognised this potential early on: Lord Mayor Eva Weber (Augsburg), District Administrator Martin Sailer (Augsburg district) and Deputy District Administrator Manfred Losinger (Aichach-Friedberg district) presented the region's long-standing commitment.
As the host, Ulrich Wagner, Chief Executive of the Swabian Chamber of Crafts, pointed out the particular importance of the topic for the skilled crafts sector as well. The implementation in the companies, households and vehicles in the region could not succeed without the skilled crafts.
Upcoming hydrogen infrastructure: network planning and electrolysis projects
If companies decide in favour of hydrogen, they will be able to rely on several planned electrolysis projects in the future: for example, by GP Joule in Gersthofen or at Memmingen Airport (by Airport Energiemanagement GmbH). The Gersthofen industrial park, where hydrogen is to be used for a local heating project, could also soon be making hydrogen available for specific applications. Since last year, vehicles have also been able to refuel with hydrogen at the hydrogen filling station in Gersthofen.
Hydrogen as a competitive factor for the economy
New prospects are also emerging for the skilled trades: ‘Our companies are ready to support the energy transition with their expertise,’ emphasised Alfred Kailing of the Swabian Chamber of Skilled Crafts. ‘Hydrogen not only offers climate-friendly alternatives, but also new business opportunities for the skilled trades – whether it's installing hydrogen heating systems or maintaining infrastructure.’
International successes of regional hydrogen companies
Bavarian Swabia plays a key role in the global hydrogen economy. Companies in the region supply essential components for numerous hydrogen projects worldwide. The largest hydrogen power plant in the United States and the Indian moon mission rely on technology from Bavarian Swabia.
Dynamic development of hydrogen research expertise in the region
The region has outstanding scientific expertise in the field of hydrogen, which companies can access. The research institutions are working on important future topics: ‘Hydrogen is more than just a technical solution. Hydrogen is a central building block for a sustainable energy supply – including new value chains, jobs and energy sovereignty,’ said Prof. Dr. Nadine Warkotsch, managing director of bifa Umweltinstitut GmbH. She said it was particularly important to optimise regional production and utilisation concepts in order to create economically viable solutions.
bifa is a member of the Hydrogen Advisory Board in the Augsburg economic area.
This was initiated in 2021 and promotes and coordinates all matters relating to hydrogen. The interdisciplinary group, made up of members from various institutions and supported by experts, meets monthly. It promotes the region's development into a hydrogen innovation region and supports companies in implementing projects.