National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Phase II (NIP) – Research, Development, and Innovation Measures – Focus on Sustainable Mobility
The National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Phase II (NIP) of the BMDV funded research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) to establish competitive hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in mobility. It supported both vehicle-side technologies and the necessary fuel infrastructure, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly encouraged to participate. The program ended on June 30, 2024.
Who is funded
The National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Phase II (NIP) targeted a wide range of applicants, including companies, research institutions, universities, and municipalities. The goal was to competitively establish hydrogen and fuel cell technology in the transport sector and energy market in Germany, thereby strengthening value creation in Germany and Europe. Funding was aimed at projects within Germany.
What is funded
The program focused on research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, particularly for the transport sector. Projects aimed at demonstration, innovation, and market preparation were funded, with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of five to eight preferred.
Type and Scope of Funding
The program offered non-repayable grants as partial financing. Funding rates varied depending on the applicant type, with universities and non-university institutions able to receive up to 100%. There were specific regulations for the amount of funding under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) and de minimis aid.
Conditions and Requirements
Specific legal and administrative requirements applied to the funding. Applicants had to be professionally qualified and possess sufficient capacities. Collaborative projects required at least two legally independent partners and a written cooperation agreement. In addition, European state aid rules, particularly the GBER and de minimis regulations, had to be observed.
Application Procedure
The application procedure for the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Phase II was two-stage. It began with the submission of a project outline, followed by an invitation to submit a formal funding application if positively evaluated. The evaluation was based on clear criteria by Project Management Jülich and NOW GmbH.
Legal Basis
The National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Phase II was established by a specific funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). The legal basis of the grants was also based on the Federal Budget Code (BHO) and European state aid rules such as the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) and the de minimis regulation.
Similar Programs
No similar programs found.
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
Up to 100% of eligible expenses for universities and non-university institutions; up to 90% for Helmholtz Centres and Fraunhofer Society; up to 80% for local authorities; up to 50% for companies (with SME bonus) and research institutions.
Open Until:
30.06.2024
Award Channel:
Competitive Tender
Region:
Germany
Sectors:
Green Technology, Transportation and Logistics, Research and Development, Energy Production and Supply
Beneficiaries:
Research and development in hydrogen and fuel cell technology, particularly in road, rail, water, and air transport, as well as in special applications.
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Applied Research, Experimental Development, Market Introduction, Feasibility Study, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Commercialization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
National
Funding Body:
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV)
Managed By:
Project Management Jülich (PtJ)
Additional Partners:
National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH) - coordination, management, programmatic exploitation and communication; Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) - provision of guidelines, fact sheets, notes and ancillary provisions.