CO₂-neutral molecules for internal combustion engine drives

Invitation to the
6th Hydrogen Engine Conference 2025
in Karlsruhe

The Hydrogen Engine + ReFuels Conference in Karlsruhe a current perspective
on the latest developments – ranging from industry and politics to science and the financial sector – and
features expert presentations, discussions, and forward-looking insights into topics such as
energy supply, refueling infrastructure, and energy conversion.

The agenda is sure to be exciting again this year and will be defined over the coming weeks.
The conference focuses on hydrogen as a key energy carrier.
Nevertheless, in addition to pure hydrogen, liquid hydrocarbon refuels
will also be discussed for the first time..

Register now for the 6. Hydrogen Engine + ReFuels Conference 2025,
or contact us via email or by phone at +49 (0)151 25804934 for further information.

We warmly welcome you and look forward to your participation!!


Welcome Address for the Conference

Prof. Dr. Thomas Koch · KIT · Head of Institute for Thermal Energy Technology and Safety (ITES)
Prof. Dr. Thomas Koch · KIT · Head of Institute for Thermal Energy Technology and Safety (ITES)

Dear supporters of sustainable propulsion technologies,

It is my great pleasure to warmly invite you to the 6th Hydrogen Engine Conference,
taking place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Karlsruhe.

As in previous years, the hydrogen engine and its associated challenges - from hydrogen production and infrastructure to refueling technologies - will remain the core focus of our event. However, starting this year, we are broadening our perspective: the scope of the conference has been expanded to include hydrogen derivatives. For the first time, ReFuels - sustainable hydrocarbons derived from hydrogen - will also be featured as part of the program.

We are currently finalizing the agenda and will publish it on the website shortly. More than ever, the interaction between technical details and political as well as societal developments is driving our efforts.
As always, you can look forward to highly relevant insights at the intersection of mobility, energy, and society.

This year, we have chosen the Schlossgartenhalle in Ettlingen as our venue. I would be delighted to welcome you there once again, to engage in discussions about current and future challenges. Take advantage of this opportunity to exchange ideas across disciplines and expand your professional horizons.

Kind regards,
Thomas Koch


Prof. Dr. Thomas Jordan

Statement on the 6th Hydrogen Engine Conference 2025

Prof. Dr. Thomas Jordan · KIT · Institute for Thermal Energy Technology and Safety (ITES)
Prof. Dr. Thomas Jordan · KIT · Institute for Thermal Energy Technology and Safety (ITES)

“The conference addresses current topics related to the hydrogen engine and also examines systemic aspects, such as supply infrastructure, etc. It does not shy away from comparing alternatives for sustainable fuels, like refuels, and different propulsion concepts. I consider the hydrogen engine to be of particular importance, especially in times when attention to sustainable transport is waning. This is because it builds on proven and relatively cost-effective technologies, while also creating an economically relevant market for hydrogen as a fuel. Only in this way can the development of infrastructure be incentivized. These aspects are discussed openly and scientifically at the conference. In addition to receiving the latest information, there are also plenty of opportunities for personal exchange.
For me, attending has been beneficial every year so far, and I’m sure it will be again this year.”


Prof. Dr. Olaf Deutschmann

Statement on the 6th Hydrogen Engine Conference 2025

Prof. Dr. Olaf Deutschmann, Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT)
Prof. Dr. Olaf Deutschmann Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT)

“The hydrogen engine enables CO₂-free transport in the heavy-duty sector. Although small amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) can be produced at high combustion temperatures, modern exhaust aftertreatment systems – such as SCR catalysts – effectively reduce these to a minimum. In combination with green hydrogen, the hydrogen engine thus offers an almost emission-free propulsion solution. It can therefore make an important contribution to a sustainable and clean transformation of the transport sector – the focus of this forward-looking conference.”



Program

Thursday, September 18, 2025

The Morning

08:30 - 10:25 CEST Welcome and Technological Potentials
   
08:30 - 08:40 CEST Opening of the Conference
Prof. Dr. Thomas Koch, KIT
08:40 - 08:45 CEST Welcome Address
Prof. Dr. Thomas Hirth, KIT
08:45 - 08:55 CEST Welcome Address
Christian Hirte,
MdB, Parlamentarischer Staatssekretär, Bundesministerium für Verkehr (BMV)
08:55 - 09:25 CEST A Sustainable Misunderstanding
Volker Angres, M.A., journalist and author, former head of the ZDF environmental editorial department
09:25 - 09:55 CEST Electrolysis as a Key Technology
  Christian-Frederic Berthon, EIfER Europäisches Institut für Energieforschung EDF-KIT EWIV
09:55 - 10:25 CEST Practical experience with alternative drives
  Thomas Schwarz, Spedition Schwarz GmbH
10:25 - 10:55 CEST From Individual Funding to Systemic Funding
Elena Hof, Clean Energy Partnership e.V.  (CEP)
   
10:55 - 11:25 CEST Break
   
11:25 - 13:25 CEST Hydrogen Engine Challenges
   
11:25 - 11:55 CEST The 3D CFD role in combustion system design of H2 engines for CV and off-road applications
Magda Cassone Potenza, Robert Bosch GmbH
11:55 - 12:25 CEST PoWer: Robustness Assessment of Hydrogen Engines for Off-Road Applications – A Status Report
Hannes Marlok, MAHLE
12:25 - 12:55 CEST Current state and challenges of NOx reduction by H2 in lean exhaust gas of H2 engines
Daniel Schröder, TU Bergakademie Freiberg
12:55 - 13:10 CEST Hydrogen inspires young talents- Formula Student cars on track
  Dr. Malki Maliha, Formula Future e. V.
   
13:10 - 14:10 CEST Lunch Break

 


The Afternoon

13:40 - 15:40 CEST International Perspective
   
14:10 - 14:40 CEST H2 and ReFuels activities in India
Michael Benz, Tata Motors (via video / live link)
14:40 - 15:10 CEST An environmental scan of transportation and fuel trends in the U.S.
Paul Miles, SANDIA
15:10 - 15:40 CEST Engine Development for Hydrogen and ReFuels under Hydrogen Economy Roadmap in Korea
Prof. Dr. C. Bae,
KAIST
   
15:40 - 16:10 CEST Break
   
16:10 - 17:40 CEST Society, Economy and Finance
   
16:10 - 16:40 CEST The Role of Innovation in the Financial Market
  Jürgen Pieper i.R., ehemals Bankhaus Metzler
16:40 - 17:10 CEST H2 and ReFuels – Positions and Activities of VDA
  Eric Woydte, VDA
17:10 - 17:40 CEST H2 and ReFuels: An industrial and energy policy perspective
  Dr. Johannes Kohlmann, en2x
   
17:40 - 17:55 CEST Break
   
17:55 - 18:40 CEST Panel Discussion: "How Much Longer Until Hydrogen and ReFuels Power Mobility?
  Moderation: Cherno Jobatey
  Participants:
Dr. Götz Reichert
,  Centre for European Policy - CEP
Jürgen Pieper,
(ret.), formerly Bankhaus Metzler
Dr. Johannes Kohlmann
, en2x
Volker Angres,
M.A., journalist and author, former head of the ZDF environmental editorial department
   
18:40 - 18:50 CEST Summary and Farewell
  Prof. Dr. Thomas. Koch, KIT



Conference fees · Ticket categories

Participation on site

990 *Reduced: € 890

  • - including Conference documents
  • - plus VAT* - not applicable for foreign countries
  • *Reduced price applies to employees of universities, authorities and offices
Registration

Live-Stream

490 *Ermäßigt: € 390

Online-Participation

  • - including Conference documents
  • - plus VAT* - not applicable for foreign countries
  • *Reduced price applies to employees of universities, authorities and offices
Registration

Post-Event

420 *Ermäßigt: € 320

Online-Participation

  • - including Conference documents
  • - plus VAT* - not applicable for foreign countries
  • *Reduced price applies to employees of universities, authorities and offices
Registration




QUESTIONS?

Contact us via email oder call us +49 (0)151 25804934