Our vision:
a strong hydrogen economy for a strong region

Joint action has created ideal conditions for a thriving hydrogen economy.

Eastern Germany is emerging as a leading innovation hub for a sustainable hydrogen economy. Innovative research and development are producing cutting-edge technologies. The necessary components, parts, and systems are developed and manufactured locally and exported worldwide. Renewable energy resources are being used for local, renewable hydrogen production. In addition, low-CO₂, renewable hydrogen is imported and exported directly via pipelines or, as derivatives, through ports. Additional demand is met CO₂-neutrally via crackers.

The well-developed hydrogen infrastructure — including transport and distribution networks, decentralized supply, refueling facilities, and storage — links producers and consumers. This not only ensures the security of the energy supply but also supports key industrial sectors. Products from East Germany — from steel and glass to chemical goods — are in demand worldwide and are exported climate-neutrally by hydrogen-powered trucks, ships, and aircraft.

With a reliable regulatory framework and robust infrastructure, East Germany attracts new businesses, creates high-quality jobs, and makes a significant contribution to prosperity, innovation, and climate neutrality.

Our mission is to seize existing opportunities and establish Eastern Germany as a key region in the hydrogen economy. The area offers ideal conditions: diverse on- and offshore renewable energy potential, efficient ports, an innovative research landscape, and deeply rooted industrial expertise. Together with strong manufacturing and logistics centers, an expanded gas infrastructure for transport and storage, a robust chemical, power generation, and steel sector, and modern mobility hubs, these assets are enabling the development of a sustainable hydrogen economy.

All eastern German states face similar challenges — such as building infrastructure, obtaining permits, and integrating hydrogen into industry. The Initiative Wasserstoff Ostdeutschland is the independent platform of the states that enables cross-state solutions. Key to this are reliable regulatory frameworks, fair competitive conditions vis-à-vis international providers, and practical rules for sustainable hydrogen, so that regional value creation can be preserved and expanded.

As six partners—and seven including the federal government—we can have a much stronger impact across East Germany, in Berlin, and in Brussels. Together we are driving the deployment of hydrogen in industry, transportation, and energy supply. Each state contributes valuable expertise. We foster knowledge transfer and connect regional initiatives so they benefit from one another and advance more quickly together.