Are you ready to turn a great concept for a hydrogen project into global impact? H2Uppp is inviting innovative business ideas that support projects across the entire H2/PtX value chain and help unlock hydrogen markets in selected Global South countries like Brazil. Proposals will be accepted until 30 March 2026. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union (EU), GIZ supports German and European companies active in the H2/PtX sector – or those who want to join it. The International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2Uppp) – backs entrepreneurial involvement in ramping up projects and market development for hydrogen and its derivatives in selected Global South countries.
How it works
At the heart of H2Uppp are formal public–private partnerships (PPPs) where private and public partners pool resources, knowledge and capital to develop green H2/PtX technologies and applications across the value chain. The goal is a win-win: business benefits for private companies and development benefits for local communities in partner countries. GIZ provides local and technical expertise, plus its network as the public partner. PPPs seek outcomes that go beyond individual company interests, avoiding market distortions and creating a common benefit for the market. Project results and learning experiences are publicly shared.
Why participate
A thriving global market for green hydrogen and its derivatives is essential to achieve economies of scale and cost reductions, making green hydrogen competitive with fossil fuels. By turning your project idea into reality with H2Uppp, you’ll help accelerate the green hydrogen market and contribute to reducing global emissions.
Funding options
H2Uppp offers two partnership paths:
- Cooperation agreements: Company and GIZ agree on measurable actions, fund and implement them themselves. The public contribution can cover measures up to €300,000. No direct financial transfers to the private company.
- Service agreements: The public side contributes up to €200,000 for measures implemented by the company, with the company receiving payment for agreed services.
In both options, the company (or consortium) must cover at least 50% of project costs. PPPs can last up to 1,5 years within the H2Uppp timeframe.
Details, eligibility criteria and the application form can be found in the Information Note at the end of this page or downloaded directly from the site.
What ideas are funded?
H2Uppp supports projects along the entire hydrogen/PtX value chain (production, conversion, storage, transport, use, etc.). Examples include training and capacity-building programs, deploying H2 technology in a local industrial zone, or joint pre-feasibility assessments covering legal, environmental, social, and techno-economic aspects.
Geographic focus
Projects are currently being promoted in Brazil. In case you are interested in other countries, please get in touch with H2Uppp (H2Uppp@giz.de) before submitting any PPP application.
Who can apply?
H2Uppp targets German and European companies, and local companies in the target countries that can participate as consortium partners. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria, including ensuring lasting impact beyond the grant period, contributing to the country’s energy transition (CO2 reduction, grid stability, capacity access), and aligning with country-specific conditions and sustainability goals.
Lead company requirements
- At least three years in business
- Average annual turnover of at least EUR 800,000 (2022–2024) or a capitalisation of at least EUR 10,000,000 (in 2025)
- At least eight employees
- Be based in Germany or the EU
- Sufficient creditworthiness and liquidity to fund the private contribution
- Adequate resources and qualifications to execute the project
- Privately owned and profit-oriented
Multiple companies may participate as a consortium.
What we offer
- Full support through the application process and guidance on required documents
- Suggestions for promising project ideas to the Ministry
- Oversight of contract drafting between GIZ and the private partner
- Guidance during project implementation
- Collection and public sharing of project results and lessons learned
- GIZ backing through financial subsidies, technical expertise, local presence, and networks
Interested? Prepare your PPP concept note and join a programme that aims to shape the future of green hydrogen in Brazil, and beyond.
