Bavarian-Italian Hydrogen Forum in Munich: Successful continuation of cross-border cooperation in the hydrogen sector

MUNICH – Yesterday, more than 120 representatives from the Bavarian and Italian hydrogen industry as well as high-level political representatives, including the Bavarian State Minister Hubert Aiwanger, the Italian General Consul Sergio Maffettone, Giorgio Maione, Minister for Environment and Climate from the Lombardy region und Dina Lanzi, Vice President of the Italian Hydrogen Association H2IT, gathered at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy in Munich to discuss and deepen the Bavarian-Italian cooperation in the field of hydrogen.

Organized by the Hydrogen Center Bavaria (H2.B), ITALCAM (Italian Chamber of Commerce Munich-Stuttgart), the Italian hydrogen association (H2IT), and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi), the forum served as a platform to foster the cross-border exchange between both countries. Supported by the Interreg Alpine Space project H2MA and the Consulate General of Italy in Munich, the event brought together stakeholders committed to advancing the hydrogen agenda.

“Cross-border cooperation is an essential basis for the rapid ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. Bavaria and Italy are not only linked by a close economic relationship, but also by a central hydrogen-based transport axis, which is being created along the Brenner corridor. Furthermore, the SoutH2Corridor project between Italy, Austria and Bavaria constitutes an important import axis for climate-friendly hydrogen from North Africa to Central Europe.” – Dr. Fabian Pfaffenberger (H2.B)

The program started with first insights into both countries’ hydrogen strategies as well as regional projects. Based on company-pitches from both countries, the event then shed light on the examples of hydrogen demand, supply and the transport routes including the SoutH2Corridor. In addition, the participants gained an understanding of the green transit routes with hydrogen based on a keynote on the Hydrogen Corridor Brenner and company pitches from Italian and Bavarian players from the transport and mobility sector. After a closing discussion the event ended with an engaging networking session.