New Zealand and Germany to invest in green hydrogen research

A green hydrogen research programme has been established with Germany to support Aotearoa, New Zealand’s move towards a more sustainable, low-emissions economy.

The New Zealand-Germany Green Hydrogen research programme will see the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the German Ministry of Education and Research jointly investing in significant green hydrogen research.

Dr Ayesha Verrall, Research, Science and Innovation Minister, said, “Green hydrogen could play an important part of the clean energy mix needed to ensure a sustainable future. We are investing $6 million in three projects, with each receiving $2 million over three years.”

The partnership will provide research opportunities in both countries through close cooperation in developing new green hydrogen technologies and processes.

Hydrogen could help us to reach our goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and to transition to a clean, green and carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

Meanwhile, an equivalent German fund will fund German green hydrogen research projects. Germany is a major partner for New Zealand across many research fields and a world leader in green hydrogen research and development. The research programme will create international collaboration opportunities that enrich our research excellence and impact through global connections.

The programme provides opportunities for New Zealand research teams, including working with German partners with world-leading expertise in their field and gaining access to leading-edge European research facilities and equipment.