Expansion of Inspection Infrastructure for Electrolysis Technologies Funded

Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, officially launched the “ElyLab: Development of test and innovation infrastructures in the field of electrolysis” project today (29 January) in Stuttgart by handing over a symbolic funding cheque for around 7.6 million euros to the project managers. The largest testing infrastructure for electrolysis technologies in southern Germany is being created.

“By expanding the testing infrastructure, we are significantly shortening the development times for electrolysis technologies. This strengthens the competitiveness of our companies,” said Minister Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut. “With the ElyLab, we can create the framework conditions for future growth. This is more important than ever in view of the current economic situation,” Hoffmeister-Kraut continued.

With the ElyLab, the electrolysis test field at the site of the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) in Stuttgart is being expanded. The aim of the ElyLab is to support companies in the development of electrolysis products. In particular, the new facility will enable electrolysis technologies to be validated reliably and promptly. This will enable climate-friendly and climate-neutral technologies to reach market maturity more quickly. As part of the funding, equipment for the test bench technology will be procured and the test infrastructure expanded accordingly. To this end, part of the existing building will be extended and a mezzanine floor will be added. With the planned infrastructure expansions and new test benches, the test capacities can be almost doubled and thus meet the constantly increasing demand.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism is funding the ElyLab with around 7.6 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

ERDF funding in Baden-Württemberg:

In order to provide regional structural support, Baden-Württemberg will receive around 279 million euros from the European Union from the ERDF in the 2021-2027 funding period. The ElyLab is part of a package of measures under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), which was launched by the EU at the beginning of March 2024. STEP aims to support critical and emerging strategic technologies in order to strengthen the EU's competitiveness, security and sovereignty and reduce dependencies in strategic technology areas. These include digital technologies and technology-intensive innovations (deep tech), environmentally friendly and resource-efficient technologies and biotechnologies. The Baden-Württemberg ERDF program is aligned with the Baden-Württemberg innovation strategy and supports the focus areas of future technologies and skills as well as resource and climate protection.