North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is considered to be the most important federal State of Germany in respect to its economic impact (approx. 25 % of the German GDP), its population of approx. 18 million peoples and its technology procurement. NRW is so called the energy state in Germany because of the usage and production of energy as well as the development of advanced and new energy technologies. Due to this fuel cells and hydrogen are an important technology option for NRW.
In April 2000, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network NRW has been founded by the NRW state government. Today, more than 350 members from companies and research institutes thus forming the largest regional network in Europe. The network offers a variety of services (e.g. initiation of fuel cell projects). More than 80 fuel cell and hydrogen technology projects have already been supported by approx. 80 Mio Euro funding from the State’s government and the European Union. The network has become a well-known partner and is involved in various international institutions, like the IPHE and the European HFP platform. In addition, the network is deeply involved in the preparation and coordination of an important milestone for the development and commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in Germany: the 18. World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2010 in Essen. An outlook for this 2010 event will be presented.