Our story begins with a shared idea

The Initiative for Hydrogen in East Germany brings together the expertise of the six eastern German states. Our shared goal is to unlock regional potential and position East Germany as a strong hub within the hydrogen economy.

The national hydrogen strategy has given the sector a clear boost — and at the same time has revealed how varied the challenges and opportunities facing the eastern German states are in this transition. Against this backdrop, the heads of government of the six states sent a clear signal at the 2023 Conference of Minister-Presidents: they agreed to address these issues together and to strengthen East Germany as a key region for value creation, industrial applications, and new jobs. From this political decision the Initiative for Hydrogen in East Germany emerged, and since its official founding in March 2024 it has been generating initial momentum.

Today, the East German states serve jointly as full members of our association, while the federal government participates as a network member. Board appointments rotate in line with the annually changing chair of the Conference of Minister-Presidents, ensuring shared responsibility is balanced.

Origins

June 13, 2022:

The Minister-Presidents of the East German states agree in the Riems Declaration to establish a hydrogen advocacy organization.

July 7, 2023:

Within the framework of the Eastern Minister-Presidents' Conference, the Minister-Presidents sign bylaws to establish a hydrogen association.

March 5, 2024:

Founding meeting with the member states and the federal government at the State Representation of Saxony-Anhalt in Berlin.

November 1, 2024:

Opening of the Berlin office and the managing director's start of work.

The IWO was therefore founded by the minister-presidents; implementation is carried out with the respective specialist ministries (see Members), where we are integrated at the department-head level.