Helmholtz Cluster Hydrogen
Facts and Figures
One institute, two important tasks
Hydrogen is a key pillar of the energy transition. In the Rhenish mining area, a team from Forschungszentrum Jülich is working to develop hydrogen technologies suitable for everyday use that contribute precisely to this goal. The Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) was founded in 2021 for this purpose. The INW team has two central tasks.
As the coordinating core of HC-H2, INW manages the practical demonstration of innovative technologies. These demonstration projects are carried out in close cooperation with partners from industry, administration and science in the Rhenish mining area. The goal of all participants is to bring innovative hydrogen technologies to market maturity. INW supports the projects both scientifically and administratively.
At the same time, the INW is conducting research into chemical storage methods in four areas of the institute. The aim is to develop cost-effective and low-emission storage solutions. These are essential if hydrogen is to play its key role as a stable pillar in the bridge to the energy system of the future.
The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are funding the INW and HC-H2 with around one billion euros.
Comments on the founding
‘With the INW, we are adding to our excellent portfolio of hydrogen research in Jülich in the areas of storage, supply and transport, which are so important for the energy industry of the future.’
Prof. Peter Jansens, Member of the Board of Directors of Forschungszentrum Jülich. Photo: ©Forschungszentrum Jülich/Limbach
‘We are able to propose solutions that work anywhere in the world and drive change.’
Prof. Peter Wasserscheid, Founding Director of INW, Director of IEK-11, Forschungszentrum Jülich. Photo: ©Forschungszentrum Jülich/Limbach
Funding volume
Employees
The INW started at the end of 2021 with two employees. By early 2026, the team will have grown to 164 people. The institute will continue to seek new talent in 2026. You can find the latest job vacancies here. Even if there are no suitable vacancies advertised, it is still worth sending a speculative application.
Patents
By early 2026, INW employees had filed 35 patent applications. Five have been granted and 30 are currently under review.
Publications
By early 2026, INW researchers had contributed to 103 publications in scientific journals. In 2023, the number was 6, in 2024 it was 42, and in 2025 it was 55.
Facts and Figures
164
Employees
As of: January 2026
110
Publications
As of: January 2026
1
Billion € in funding volume
Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
35 (5)
Patent applications (of which granted)