Andreas Kuhlmann takes helm of Germany's hydrogen push as new DWV CEO
Andreas Kuhlmann has been appointed the new CEO of the German Hydrogen Association (DWV), taking up the role on May 1, 2026. He succeeds Dr. Bernd Pitschak, who will leave the organisation on June 30, 2026. Kuhlmann previously led the association as chairman from May 2025, focusing on accelerating the hydrogen economy in Germany and beyond. Kuhlmann's career spans energy policy, consulting, and advocacy. He studied physics and economics in Germany and the U.S. before working on the European Parliament's Environment Committee. Later, he headed strategy and policy at the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) and led the German Energy Agency (dena) for nearly ten years. Most recently, he served as managing director of Christ & Company, a corporate and strategy consulting firm.
The DWV, representing over 140 companies and 350 individual members, advocates for hydrogen interests at national and European levels. Under Kuhlmann's leadership, the association aims to improve political conditions for scaling up green hydrogen and synthetic fuels. His earlier work with the Global Alliance Powerfuels initiative reinforced this focus. In October 2024, the DWV introduced a dual leadership structure, with Friederike Lassen and Dr. Bernd Pitschak as board members. Kuhlmann's appointment as CEO marks a shift toward stronger political advocacy, though concrete impacts on international hydrogen promotion remain to be seen. His priorities include ensuring reliability, better framework conditions, and profitable operations across the hydrogen value chain. Kuhlmann views hydrogen as essential for energy transition, climate protection, supply security, and industrial policy. His leadership will concentrate on turning these goals into practical progress.
The DWV's new CEO brings decades of experience in energy and policy to the role. His appointment follows a year as chairman, where he pushed for faster implementation of hydrogen projects. The association now looks to strengthen its influence in shaping Germany's hydrogen future.
