The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has inaugurated the BALIS test field in Empfingen, dedicated to advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology with an output in the megawatt range. Officially opened on October 28, 2024, and backed by €26 million in funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, BALIS enables testing of high-power hydrogen fuel cells capable of supporting large-scale transportation, including ships, in a climate-neutral way.

BALIS stands out for its modular setup in containers, allowing detailed research on fuel cells, electric engines, and the infrastructure for handling liquid hydrogen at -253°C. DLR also received an additional €3 million to develop the infrastructure needed for cryogenic hydrogen storage and refueling.

With full booking for the next three years, BALIS is a collaborative effort between government, industry, and research bodies, propelling Germany toward its 2045 carbon neutrality goal and setting new standards for sustainable transport solutions.