In February, the Saarland Hydrogen Agency (H2Saar) launched the ‘wassaarstoff’ student competition for primary and secondary schools in Saarland. Its aim is to use creative ideas and projects to introduce students to the fundamentals and potential applications of hydrogen technology in their direct living environment.
From 1 February to 6 May, primary and secondary school students in Saarland have an opportunity to develop and submit their own ideas and suggestions for hydrogen projects in their region. The quality requirements for the assignments vary by school type and range from a local exploring tour with hydrogen molecule ‘Wassel-Quassel’ (the competition’s mascot) for primary schools to a digital scavenger hunt for secondary schools. The competition offers €2,000 in prizes and is being held for the third time.
Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Jürgen Barke: ‘Being able to help shape future technologies makes them particularly exciting. This competition is a perfect way of combining creativity and knowledge. If school students start looking at hydrogen now, we are boosting not only their technical understanding, but also the innovative spirit that will promote structural change in Saarland.’
H2Saar CEO Dr. Bettina Hübschen: ‘This competition gives school students an age-appropriate opportunity to develop their own ideas for using hydrogen, offering a fun way to find out more about one of the most important future technologies of our time.’
The competition is open to all students at primary and secondary schools in Saarland. Projects may be submitted by entire classes, small groups or individuals. Applications are open until 30 March and the submission and entry deadline is 6 May 2026. More information is available at: www.h2-saarland.de
A judging panel made up of representatives of H2Saar, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Jugend präsentiert gGmbH and Kolping Education Germany will review the submissions and select the finalists, who will be able to present their projects live at the awards ceremony on 17 June.
The competition is being supported by cooperation partners Jugend präsentiert gGmbH and Kolping Education Germany, who will assist teachers by providing free training sessions on the topic of hydrogen. Other partners include SHS Stahl-Holding-Saar and the Bosch group.
H2Saar helps citizens and companies to identify and implement the positive effects of sustainable hydrogen technologies. The aim is to promote structural change in Saarland and, in doing so, secure the future for all generations.
