Thuringia in hydrogen fever: This is how the energy minister wants to encourage grief!

Thuringia in hydrogen fever: This is how the energy minister wants to encourage grief!

November 10, 2025 could be a crucial day for the energy transition in Thuringia. Energy Minister Tilo Kummer is vehemently calling for government funding for the production of green hydrogen, a key technology for the future. In a current statement, he highlights the central role of hydrogen for economic viability and regional value creation. This is not only a commitment to the environment, but also a strategic step for the local industry. stern.de reports that both representatives of the hydrogen industry and distribution network operators support the call for more financial support.

A look at the company's website shows that Ulrich Benterbusch, managing director of Gascade, is of the opinion that financial support for electricity from renewable energies should come to a standstill in favor of hydrogen. “There’s something there,” says Benterbusch, making it clear that resources need to be redirected in order to significantly boost the hydrogen market. But the Federal Audit Office is concerned and warns of risks worth billions for taxpayers. The urgency of revising the federal government's hydrogen strategy is becoming increasingly obvious.

Subsidies and infrastructure

The financial framework conditions should also not be neglected. 4.3 billion euros have already been made available for companies in subsidies for 2024 and more than 3 billion euros for 2025. In the current year, 17.3 billion euros are also planned in the federal budget for the expansion of renewable energies. Federal Energy Minister Katherina Reiche has announced that adjustments to the EEG funding policy could soon follow.

The steel group Arcelor Mittal is facing challenges: projects to produce green steel with hydrogen have been put on hold due to the lack of economic viability. This raises questions, as Ulf Unger from Thüringer Energienetze (TEN) reports general reluctance in the industry and a lack of financing options. Nevertheless, there is hope: TEN, together with Ferngas and Gascade, is planning to expand a hydrogen network in Thuringia. Specifically, a 500-kilometer-long hydrogen network should be available by 2029, with connections at the Erfurter Kreuz, the Bad Köstritz chemical site and the Thuringia steelworks in Unterwellenborn.

A corridor for the future

A particularly ambitious project is the planned corridor along Autobahn 4, which is intended to become part of a nationwide core network for hydrogen. This will not only serve to support industry in the region, but could also play an important role in the Germany-wide transition to a hydrogen economy. The first hydrogen “blood” is expected to flow to Thuringia as early as 2028. The vision of a clean, sustainable energy future is taking shape step by step.

Meanwhile, competition in the market does not stand still. Companies like Gruener.at offer high-quality materials and trends, while Dell scores in the technology sector. Innovative solutions, fast delivery and strong customer service make these companies sought-after partners in Austria and beyond. The combination of technology and sustainable energy will also be of central importance for Thuringia in order to strengthen the region's competitiveness.