Fuel Cell instead of Diesel Generator – BMU Export Initiative Environmental Technologies in a nutshell

Under the slogan “Initiate. Promote. Network.” NOW GmbH explains in a short film how the German Federal Ministry for the Environment supports the development of decentralised and off-grid power supply using sustainable H2 technologies with the “Export Initiative Environmental Technologies” (EXI) funding programme.

The Environmental Technologies Export Initiative (EXI) aims to disseminate environmental technologies and thus make a concrete contribution to sustainable development and better living conditions in other countries. As a programme company of the Federal Government, NOW GmbH has been responsible for the thematic focus of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for decentralised and off-grid power supply since 2021. Climate-damaging diesel generators are to be replaced in favour of electrification and security of supply in areas remote from the grid. At present, these vehicles consume an enormous amount of fuel and, with_{CO2 emissions of} around 100 million tonnes per year, offer enormous potential for savings. The need for reliable and clean power supply is particularly high in emerging and developing countries. This is where German small and medium-sized enterprises and research institutes can come in, to work with international partners to find solutions directly on the ground and ensure sustainable development. The range of applications is extremely diverse: from the power supply of a mobile radio system in remote areas to the secure and uninterrupted supply of critical infrastructures to the use in an island network for a remote hotel complex.

In November, the first three projects will be launched, dealing with implementation on the ground. German companies and research institutions will probably cooperate with project partners in India, Jordan and South Africa.

The explanatory films are available in German and English at the following links:
Export Initiative Environmental Technologies (EXI) – DE
Export Initiative Environmental Tech (EXI) – EN

About EXI

The BMU launched the “Environmental Technologies Export Initiative” in 2016. The associated guideline for the promotion of measures in the field of the export of green and sustainable (environmental) infrastructure is intended to make knowledge and the application of innovative climate protection technologies and their infrastructure internationally exchanged and accessible. In addition, for concrete and sustainable development, appropriate capacities and supply chains are to be built up locally, suitable framework conditions are to be created and cross-project knowledge is to be gained and processed. Since 2021, projects in the field of “green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies” for off-grid and decentralised power supply can be explicitly funded via the directive.

The funding is aimed specifically at German technology companies in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology that want to establish themselves on an international level and create sales markets worldwide, as well as research institutions based in Germany that implement the scientific design and monitoring of a project. In particular, this involves the provision and testing of systems that enable an environmentally friendly, off-grid or decentralised power supply.

Priority will be given to international pilot/demonstration projects in which German companies and research institutions based in Germany make a contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the general increase in knowledge and the associated opening of the market.

Project ideas can be presented at any time to the listed contact persons and, after consultation, developed into complete outlines. The general handout of the EXI project executing agency provides an overview of the applicable funding conditions and formal requirements for outlines and funding applications.