Blueprint for the production of hydrogen systems

The new format connects manufacturers and suppliers for the production of hydrogen systems with those who want to become one. The competent ‘mediators’ in this match are the hydrogen technology experts at the Referenzfabrik.H2 at the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU Chemnitz. “We want to set the pace for the industrial mass production of sustainable hydrogen systems and their utilisation in a value creation community with the industry. The key elements here are electrolysers and fuel cells, i.e. systems for converting renewable energies into hydrogen or its reconversion into electricity. These are still only produced in small quantities and are therefore expensive. In ReferenceFactory.H2, industrial companies integrate their core competencies into the value chain and develop them further together with other industrial companies,” explains the head of ReferenceFactory.H2, Dr Ulrike Beyer.

Finding a place in the value chain

The researchers at Fraunhofer IWU will present a blueprint of the factory on the hy.tec platform. Among other things, they will present the various production technology building blocks such as processes, materials, components, machines and systems that are required to manufacture hydrogen systems. “In workshops and demonstrations, we provide information on the structure of the components, manufacturing and testing processes and the skills required for this. At the same time, we are showing suppliers and service providers, regardless of the industrial sector, where they can find a place in the value chain and thus secure, expand or realign their business,” emphasises Dr Beyer.

Cost reduction of 80 per cent can be realised

A major challenge for everyone involved is ‘20 in 27’. This means that by 2027, hydrogen systems will only cost 20 per cent of what they cost today. The fact that this 80 per cent reduction in costs is possible has been proven by the Referenzfabrik.H2 protagonists in a demonstrator. This innovative electrolyser stack will also be presented in Leipzig. “The stack is designed for different usage scenarios in terms of size, performance, availability, service life and efficiency. For the first time, we are providing a basis that enables a wide range of industries and companies to evaluate individual components technologically and economically, develop their individual business model and position themselves in the supply chain,” explains Dr Beyer.

Safety valve technology for hydrogen applications

Goetze KG Ludwigsburg is one of the companies already offering components for hydrogen systems. At hy.tec, the valve specialist from Baden-Württemberg will be presenting safety valves for high-pressure hydrogen applications up to 1500 bar and for applications with hydrogen liquefied at -253°C, among other things. Olaf Schulenberg, Business Development Industry and Technical Gases, points out that safety plays a key role in the world of technical gases and especially in the handling of hydrogen. “There has been an increased demand for hydrogen solutions for around five years. We fulfil it with our products. We are delighted to be taking part in the premiere of hy.tec and to be exhibiting at the Leipzig industrial trade fairs for the first time. We see opportunities here to reach a broader specialist audience than at purely specialised conferences.”

Joining modules with ‘massage function’ for fuel cell stacks

PROMESS Montage- und Prüfsysteme GmbH Berlin will also be represented at hy.tec. The company has acquired expertise in the field of stacking for fuel cells and electrolysers. It is also a leading supplier of electromechanical joining modules with a special ‘massage function’ for fuel cell stacks. This function achieves a high energy density of the stack in the most compact design possible. At hy.tec, PROMESS will be using a 3D-printed stack to demonstrate how it supports its customers with stack assembly.

Other exhibitors include Siemens Energy and Haver & Boecker OHG, which manufactures wire mesh for electrolysis processes.

Attracting the next generation of hydrogen professionals with speed

The topic of hydrogen will also be presented in a speed format on the last hy.tec day (14 March 2025) – with show races for remote-controlled hydrogen vehicles. “We have supported the National Hydrogen Grand Prix for 13 to 17-year-olds from the very beginning and have already organised the German Grand Prix in the past two years. This is one of many ways to get young people interested in the numerous career prospects associated with hydrogen,” says Dr Ulrike Beyer, head of the Referenzfabrik.H2, adding: “The competition is not just about driving the cars. The pupils and students design, construct and build the vehicles first before they take them to the racetrack. Some discover their professional future in the process.”

The 3rd National Hydrogen Grand Prix will also take place under the auspices of the Referenzfabrik.H2 2025 in Chemnitz. As every year, the winners can look forward to a ticket to the world final, which this year will also be held in the European capital of culture Chemnitz.