German funding program
In 2026, Germany is launching a new federal funding scheme for AFIR-compliant hydrogen refueling network for heavy-duty transport. The programme supports public hydrogen refueling stations in combination with hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles (N2 & N3) and is open until May 31, 2026.
Key facts
- Funding authority: Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), implemented by NOW GmbH
- Total budget: €220 million
- Refuelling stations: up to 50% of capital expenditure, max. €4 million per site
- Vehicles: up to 80% of the additional cost compared to diesel, max. €3 million per application
- Both hydrogen combustion and fuel cell trucks are eligible
- Locations: TEN-T corridors or urban nodes, in line with AFIR requirements
- Existing, planned or currently under-construction hydrogen refueling stations may also be eligible for funding.
How does the funding work?
The programme targets projects in which hydrogen refueling stations and hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles are developed together. Its objective is to implement the rollout of an AFIR-compliant hydrogen refueling network for heavy-duty transport in Germany.
Key requirements include:
- Long-term suitability for heavy-duty transport operations
- Sufficient daily hydrogen capacity (from approx. 1,000 kg H₂)
- At least 10% vehicle demand to ensure utilisation
We support you with:
Resato Hydrogen Technology designs and delivers high-performance AFIR-compliant hydrogen refueling stations for trucks and buses.
- We offer the best fitting hydrogen refueling stations for your project
- Preparation of technically robust, funding-ready projects
- Implementation of high-capacity 700-bar HRS solutions
- Based on our 30+ years experience we build connections
Experience with AFIR-aligned funding programmes
Resato has hands-on experience with the Dutch SWIM funding scheme for hydrogen refueling stations. The Dutch SWIM scheme is a national funding programme that supports the development of public hydrogen refueling stations for heavy-duty transport by combining infrastructure deployment with vehicle uptake. It is widely recognised within European AFIR-related policy discussions as a best-practice example for building an effective and well-utilised hydrogen refueling network.
This programme is referenced in AFIR-related EU contexts as a best practice for the development of an effective hydrogen refueling network. We understand how funding programmes and AFIR requirements come together in practice.
If you are planning a hydrogen refueling station or preparing a funding application.