The German Hydrogen Association (DWV) is set to undergo leadership changes in the wake of a lobbying scandal involving hydrogen project subsidies, with association head Werner Diwald slated to step down at the end of the year, according to a report by German business magazine Capital. Diwald has been implicated in the so-called “hydrogen affair,” which centers on Klaus Bonhoff, the former head of Policy Issues at Germany’s Ministry of Transport, who was dismissed earlier this year amid a political investigation.
The scandal arose over approximately €1.5 million in funding granted to the DWV’s HyMobility innovation cluster. This allocation, intended to support hydrogen mobility communications, has come under scrutiny due to a perceived conflict of interest between Diwald and Bonhoff, who have maintained close professional and personal ties. Bonhoff, once a prominent advocate for hydrogen technology, reportedly lobbied for the funding’s rapid approval in late 2021. Leaked emails, shared by Der Spiegel, highlight Bonhoff’s efforts to expedite the process, which has prompted a subsequent investigation by Germany’s Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV).
Following the investigation, German Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing dismissed Bonhoff in February 2024 and dissolved the hydrogen division within the ministry. Two ministry employees face disciplinary action, and three funding cases are under review to determine if funds need to be returned.
The DWV announced it will restructure its leadership to distance itself from the controversy. Diwald will be succeeded by Friederike Lassen, DWV’s head of policy and regulation. Additionally, the association plans to introduce a co-CEO to establish a dual leadership structure. DWV President Oliver Weinmann is also stepping back temporarily, following reports linking him to private connections with Bonhoff. DWV has not commented on specific personal details.
