Serbia is embarking on its first green hydrogen pilot project, known as HyDSerbia, in collaboration with Leipzig-based energy firm Leipziger Energiegesellschaft. The project, which is being funded by the German government, is a key part of Germany’s broader push to support international hydrogen initiatives and foster the development of sustainable energy solutions globally.
The HyDSerbia project is officially titled “Construction and Operation of an Integrated H2 Pilot Plant as a Precursor of Large-Scale Industrial Production and Export of Green Hydrogen and Derivatives at Various Locations in the Republic of Serbia”. The initiative aligns with Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy (NHS), which aims to boost the international market for green hydrogen and its derivatives. The German government has allocated EUR 3.5 million to support the project, which is scheduled to run from December 1, 2022, to June 30, 2026.
As part of the project’s development, the Fraunhofer-Center für Silizium-Photovoltaik, a leading research institute, is conducting a feasibility study on large-scale industrial production, transport and export of green hydrogen from Serbia. This study is expected to last until July 2024.
KfW Development Bank’s role and Serbia’s hydrogen strategy
In a recent development, Klaus Müller, Director of Germany’s KfW Development Bank for Southeast Europe and Turkey, met with Serbia’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, to discuss potential investments in renewable energy projects, including green hydrogen. KfW expressed interest in supporting innovative hydrogen projects in Serbia, with the goal of establishing a local hydrogen value chain and contributing to the country’s decarbonization efforts. KfW also confirmed its backing for HyDSerbia, underscoring its commitment to supporting Serbia’s transition to sustainable energy sources.
The green hydrogen project, led by Leipziger Energiegesellschaft, will focus on an integrated approach for hydrogen production. The pilot plant will combine solar energy generation with hydrogen production technology, creating a small-scale facility for the commercial use of green hydrogen. This pilot will not only serve as a technical and commercial case study but will also provide the foundation for scaling up hydrogen production in Serbia and the broader region. The project aims to establish reliable, sustainable supply chains for green hydrogen, potentially meeting part of Germany’s future energy demand.
German government support for international hydrogen projects
The German government has a dedicated funding program designed to support international hydrogen projects that are in the early stages of development but have significant potential for scaling. Under this program, grants of up to EUR 15 million are available to cover financing gaps for investment plans and research projects. These funds aim to support the production, storage, transport, and integrated use of green hydrogen, particularly outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action sees this initiative as a crucial step toward ramping up the global hydrogen market and ensuring that German technology plays a key role in the development of green hydrogen infrastructure worldwide. The goal is to build the foundation for importing hydrogen, a critical component of Germany’s energy future.
Conclusion
The HyDSerbia project marks an important milestone in Serbia’s energy transition, as it looks to leverage Germany’s expertise and funding to become a regional hub for green hydrogen production. Through collaborations with companies like Leipziger Energiegesellschaft and financial support from institutions like KfW, Serbia aims to establish a sustainable and competitive green hydrogen industry. This project also aligns with Germany’s broader strategy to support the global hydrogen market and contribute to decarbonization efforts across Europe and beyond. With ongoing feasibility studies and international backing, HyDSerbia could pave the way for large-scale hydrogen production and export from Serbia in the coming years.
