by Hydrogeit | Mar 26, 2025 | News
The March issue of H2-international – the e-journal on hydrogen and fuel cells – is published today. The special thing about this issue is that this is the last issue to be published by Hydrogeit Verlag. From April 1st, all further issues will be published by Gentner Verlag. This applies to both H2-international and HZwei – the German magazine on hydrogen and fuel cells.
The March issue of H2-international is published exactly one week before the Hannover Messe, where important industry representatives from the H2 and FC community will gather from March 31, 2025 to present and discuss the latest trends and important developments. Hydrogeit Verlag and Gentner Verlag will be represented on site with a joint stand. You are welcome to visit us on the fair ground in hall 13 at stand B14.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Sven Geitmann
Verlagsinhaber & HZwei-Herausgeber
by Lewitz | Mar 14, 2025 | international, News
Sustainable energy supply based on hydrogen
In emerging and developing countries, but also in crisis areas, there are many opportunities to use hydrogen to overcome energy poverty and establish a reliable, CO2-neutral power supply. In this context, hydrogen-based microgrids have a decisive role to play. In this form, hydrogen-producing electrolyzers, cylinder racks for hydrogen storage and fuel cell systems for reconversion into electricity can be accommodated in the space of a shipping container. Together, they help to conserve renewable energy for later use.
Fig. 1: Hydrogen Tryout Area
Hydrogen-based microgrids can be flexibly adapted to different application scenarios. They are therefore primarily used for decentralized supply in rural areas, but also in urban conurbations and to support industrial production and processes as a real alternative to CO2-producing diesel generators. If the industrial production of microgrids can be successfully established, this will benefit manufacturers (industrial value creation), local communities (stable energy supply) and climate protection (CO2-neutral energy production) in equal measure.
HyTrA – Hydrogen Tryout Area in Cape Town, South Africa
The Hydrogen Tryout Area, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), is ideally suited to demonstrating the effectiveness of hydrogen for a stable, climate-neutral energy supply. Especially for regions that have surplus renewable energy and are potential exporters of hydrogen, HyTrA offers them the opportunity to use hydrogen themselves.
General conditions
South Africa’s economy and energy production are heavily dependent on coal. The country is also one of the 20 largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world. Its electricity supply is very patchy: South Africa’s state-owned energy company Eskom has had to ration electricity supplies for its 60 million customers for more than a decade. The outdated infrastructure results in an estimated annual power deficit of 4 gigawatts, which corresponds to the demand of around 10 million households. A stable energy supply is the basis for socially oriented economic growth and indispensable in the fight against poverty and inequality – solutions for a secure supply of renewable energy are urgently needed in South Africa.
HyTrA is installed close to industry at the company Alu-Cab, a manufacturer of car roof tents and accessories in Cape Town. Alu-Cab already has photovoltaic systems on site and can now also use the surplus energy to produce hydrogen on the premises, store it and convert it back into electricity when required. Thus the microgrid ensures that the company has a stable power supply for its production.
Solution overview
The central component of HyTrA is a robust and cost-effective microgrid specially designed for the African market by Texulting GmbH and Fraunhofer IWU. This innovative solution forms the centerpiece of a Hydrogen Tryout Area, which also has a technology showcase designed to arouse companies’ interest in component manufacturing, assembly and installation. HyTrA is also integrated into a socio-economic and socio-ecological H2 framework, which emphasizes environmental aspects through accompanying information and training offers, which fundamentally contribute to the acceptance of hydrogen and count towards the Social Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations.
Microgrid
To this day, fossil fuel-powered generators play a central role in South Africa as emergency power generators or to support the unstable and, in some locations, inaccessible energy supply. The aim in developing and testing the compact 8-kW hydrogen microgrid was to offer an efficient and robust alternative at comparable cost. Complete power-to-power sector coupling is integrated into the compact H2 microgrid unit. All the microgrid components required are contained in a transportable housing. The electricity generated by solar cells is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in the electrolyzer. The hydrogen is compressed and stored in suitable gas cylinders. If electricity is required, the hydrogen can be converted back into electricity via a fuel cell stack through the introduction of ambient air (oxygen). The waste product is water, which is stored in a tank and made available for electrolysis as required. This creates a closed water cycle for which water only has to be provided at the beginning and which subsequently operates almost loss-free.
The microgrid thus integrates and links various components that ensure hydrogen production, storage and reconversion resulting in a decentralized power supply independent of the changing availability of renewable energies and enabling seasonal storage of green energy. The key here is a modular, closed structure that allows for a largely maintenance-free, flexibly scalable and easily adaptable system.
Fig.2 : Microgrid structure
The microgrid developed as part of HyTrA is a self-sufficient energy network in a small and compact format. What makes it unique is that it is perfectly adapted to the specific requirements of the African market. With a service life of over 60,000 operating hours (more than 10 years), it represents a robust and safe technological solution. The system offers new possibilities in terms of storage density, safety, user-friendliness, maintenance-free operation and energy self-sufficiency. Based exclusively on renewable energies, the system is the key to a decentralized power supply that also covers off-grid and hard-to-access areas.
Technology showcase
The hydrogen technology showcase makes the microgrid transparent as a virtual reference grid. The digital image shows how the physical system works, what advantages it offers, which system components it comprises and how they are integrated. It also serves to market HyTrA across regions. It allows access to functional data from Germany and thus ensures a continuous exchange of information and increased cooperation.
Specific tests and field trials with the microgrid components deployed provide results that serve as a basis for further development. The aim is to successively improve the robustness of the system and optimize its use in climatically and socio-economically challenging areas. Component manufacturers in Germany can use data to adapt their products for use in the African market and refine standards. This makes risk-minimized expansion possible.
Extended framework
The broad framework also expands HyTrA’s scope. For example, joint ventures have been initiated between German and African companies. The establishment of regional supply chains has also been promoted. Needs-oriented support services and information offerings make it easier for German companies to tap into the African market, and local companies interested in a secure energy supply and the integration of hydrogen into their processes can make use of the services of German companies.
Marketing, consulting, sales and customer support are aimed at establishing the microgrid as a climate-neutral alternative to fossil-fueled generators. The exchange of scientific ideas relating to hydrogen is also being encouraged. The development of the microgrid therefore provides starting points for research cooperation, particularly on technological and economic aspects.
Last but not least, the transfer of knowledge is of central importance so that local communities can use the new technologies sustainably and independently. For example, cooperation with the d-school of the Hasso Plattner Institute in Cape Town has been continuously extended. In particular, a design thinking challenge has aimed to improve access to clean energy for rural farming communities. Over a period of 10 weeks, students developed innovative prototypes and solutions for the specific challenges faced by these communities.
Commissioning and accompanying measures
On July 13, 2023, HyTrA was ceremoniously put into operation in Cape Town in the presence of the Mayoral Committee Members for Energy in the City of Cape Town, representatives of NOW and Z.U.G. and supported by a greeting from the BMUV. The project team from Fraunhofer IWU, Texulting GmbH, Alu-Cab, Stellenbosch University and Umstro GmbH produced the first hydrogen on African soil, which was then converted back into electricity for a specific industrial application at Alu-Cab.
HyTrA is an important cornerstone for building a bridge between Africa and Europe with hydrogen. Unlike the megawatt and gigawatt projects of large investors, this project is designed for the use of hydrogen in Africa. An equal partnership approach will create long-term benefits for both sides.
The initiative will make use of systems and expertise from Germany. The participating SMEs and scientific partners in particular can gain important experience as well as gather usage data for further developments by using the system in practice. The microgrid also provides a basis for the applied training of urgently needed specialists. It is currently undergoing a long-term test, which is providing valuable data on service life and performance. This data will help to improve the next generation of components.
With appropriate scaling on both sides, hydrogen will become an export commodity for Africa and play a major role in supporting Germany’s energy transition.
HygO – water treatment in Namibia
HygO is another pioneering H2 project in the starting blocks. In addition to the functionalities of the HyTrA system, the project, which is likewise funded by the BMUV, will also use the oxygen produced during electrolysis. The plan is to use this for the treatment of wastewater. Other industrial partners have been involved in the project. Haver & Boecker OHG and Krenkel Abwassertechnik GmbH join Texulting GmbH and Fraunhofer IWU as new members of the project team. The microgrid is currently being set up at Fraunhofer IWU. The intention is to put it into operation in a remote area in the Erongo region of Namibia from June.
Fig. 3: Governor Neville Andre (Erongo District, Namibia) – with Dr. Ulrike Beyer on his right
HyGrid for the reconstruction of Ukraine
With HyGrid, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is promoting a cost-effective and robust microgrid based on the hydrogen system solutions HyVentus (electrolyzer) and HyVictus (fuel cell) developed at the Fraunhofer IWU Chemnitz. The aim is to create a particularly economical demonstrator microgrid as a blueprint for the industrial series production of such systems. These hydrogen-based microgrids will be used in the reconstruction of Ukraine and will stabilize the power supply, which has been severely damaged by the war. Thanks to the scaled plug-and-play design, they can cover the range from a few to several hundred kW – ideal for the needs of hospitals, businesses, schools or remote rural areas. The core task of these microgrids is also to store renewable energy over a longer period of time and to convert immediate energy surpluses into hydrogen so that the latter can be converted back into electricity during periods when there is little sun or wind. HyGrids will contribute to the energy supply next winter.
Fig. 4: Scheme for the reconstruction of Ukraine through economic solutions for decentralized energy supply
Hydrogen-based microgrids also appealing to Germany
The visibility of the African activities of Fraunhofer IWU and its participating industrial partners has also led to numerous inquiries about the use of hydrogen-based microgrids in Germany. In particular, the option to use the oxygen produced during electrolysis for water treatment represents a unique selling point. For example, many requests for decarbonization come from sports centers that want to reconvert the hydrogen produced during the day into electricity for the operation of floodlights. The oxygen obtained could be used to purify or disinfect water and utilized in swimming pools or to irrigate field hockey pitches. The waste heat from the microgrids could also be used to heat utility buildings, for example.
Hydrogen-based microgrids are suitable for numerous decentralized energy supply applications and also offer other advantages that further increase their effectiveness. They represent considerable value creation potential for the German economy, both directly in the production of the required system components and in terms of cooperation with Africa in the future.
Author: Dr. Ulrike Beyer, Referenzfabrik.H2 at the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, Chemnitz
by Max Deml | Mar 14, 2025 | Market, News, Stock market
It can still take many years until profitability
Politicians have big plans, and to reduce harmful greenhouse gases, they’re putting billions into the expansion of production and pipeline networks for “green” hydrogen. One of the ambitious targets is to increase its share of total energy consumption in the EU to over 20 percent by 2050 if possible. In Germany alone, they want to invest around 19 billion euros in the planned H2 core network, which is to increase to over 9,000 kilometers across all German states by 2032. With these pipelines, hydrogen should then flow from the northern German ports to storage facilities or power plants. In the final expansion – around 60 percent of the network will be former natural gas pipes – the feed-in capacity is to be over 100 gigawatts, according to the German network agency (Bundesnetzagentur).
In order to meet the forecast demand of 130 TWh of green hydrogen by 2030, it is estimated that around 70 percent of this will have to be imported. However, it is far from certain that the other 30 percent – despite subsidies – can be produced domestically at economically viable prices.
According to a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, H2 programs have now been implemented in over 60 countries. However, of the production capacity announced for 2023 of over 1,200 projects worldwide, only a small fraction of seven percent have been established. One reason for this is that it is still uncertain how energy prices, CO2 taxes and state subsidies will develop in the next few years, since the global production budget of almost one trillion euros required for the expansion plans over the next six years (up to 2030) is far from being committed – and will be increasingly difficult to raise in times of increasing public debt.
In the HYPAT research project, which is developing a “global hydrogen potential atlas”, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg has estimated the respective costs for various locations in potential supplier countries – from Brazil to the United Arab Emirates. Depending on the power-to-X product examined (a total of five, in addition to liquid hydrogen e.g. ammonia or methanol) and storage or transport option (pipeline or ship), hydrogen prices per kilo are expected to be between 3.50 and 6.50 euros in 2030, which could fall to between 2.00 and 4.50 euros by 2050.
One of the influencing factors here is water consumption, as each kilogram of hydrogen requires up to 20 liters of water for electrolysis (incl. cooling of the systems), which in some regions can only be obtained by complex procedures such as seawater desalination.
Listed companies in the H2 sector
With the exception of large corporations such as the French industrial gas producer Air Liquide SA or Linde plc, in which there is only a fraction of the turnover based on hydrogen, most of the listed companies that have to do with research, production or infrastructure in the area of hydrogen have been writing losses for years. It is therefore not surprising that the shares – see key figure table for 21 companies – often fell by more than 50 percent in the twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, with two even by 96 percent. In relation to the maximum price shares of three to four years ago, the prices are often over 90 percent lower.
Many expectations have not been met or projects have been delayed greatly. But despite increasing balance sheet losses, the stock market values are usually still significantly above the last annual sales figures.
Linde plc
Air Liquide SA
Some smaller companies had to register bankruptcy years ago, e.g. the Canadian pressure tank manufacturer Dynetek Industries, the Berlin Heliocentris Fuel Cells AG, Syngas International or the Norwegian fuel cell manufacturer Teco 2030, which had planned a “gigafactory” for truck and ship drives. The non-listed Hydrogen Emobility AG (based in Schönbrunn Castle) was also liquidated in 2023. The stock market values of some small caps such as the Swedish Cell Impact or the US Hydrogen Engine Center have dropped to a few million euros or even less than EUR 1 million.
Other companies, such as the Danish Nel spin-off Everfuel A/S, which has been listed since October 2020 and whose shares were last traded at the end of 2024, were taken over. In 2023, Everfuel increased sales by 128 percent to around 5.7 million euros with around 75 employees, but the loss of almost EUR 16 million also rose to around EUR 28 million. The share price on the home exchange Oslo sank from over NOK 183 (early 2021) until May 2024 to under NOK 11 (which corresponded to a stock market value of almost 80 million euros).
At this point, a hydrogen pipeline between Denmark and Germany was planned, for which Everfuel was to supply around 10,000 tonnes of green hydrogen (RFNBO, i.e. non-biological origin) annually (which would have required an electrolyzer capacity of at least 100 MW). Now the free Everfuel shares – forcibly – hiked to a price of NOK 13 via the Faro Bidco APS in infrastructure investment funds that will be advised by Swiss Life Asset Management AG.
Still other stocks, such as that of the Canadian Powerap Hydrogen Capital Corp. (www.powertapcapital.com), formerly a cannabis startup, have hardly been traded after the plan to set up an H2 gas station network in the USA and Canada could not be realized. The share price dropped from around USD 50 (2021) to below USD 0.01.
PowerTap Hydrogen Capital Corp.
Sunk strongly from NOK 25 to under NOK 1 is also the price of Havila Kystruten AS, founded in 2017 and listed since 2021, which operates four hydrogen battery-powered passenger ships (mainly for tourists) along the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes and has been making more losses every year since its launch (2023 e.g. over NOK 900 million) than turnover (approx. NOK 764 million).
Havila Kystruten AS
In the following are details of more or less important H2 shares – in alphabetical order:
Ballard Power Systems
The company, founded in 1979 (initially with the aim of researching and developing lithium batteries) and, which has been listed since 1993, has repeatedly financed losses in billions in the area of fuel cells through capital increases. The Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC), the division for automotive drives, was sold to Daimler and Ford in 2008 and dissolved again in 2018, with the majority of the machine park going back to Ballard Power. In 2018, Weichai Power took a stake in Ballard Power with around 20 percent in order to use its technology for trucks and buses in China. At the end of 2024, the fuel cell pioneer received another delivery order for 98 hydrogen engines from the railway operator Canadian Pacific Kansas City, which are intended to replace the diesel engines of the locomotives – for refueling, there are already the first hydrogen gas stations on the route.
(Ballard Power Systems, in Euro)
Bloom Energy
Bloom Energy from San Jose, California, is one of the few share price winners in 2024. The company, founded in 2002 by four former NASA employees, specializes in the production of fuel cells for stationary power supply. Despite a lower turnover of USD 330 million (‑18%), the loss of USD 169 million in the previous year was reduced to less than USD 15 million in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
Bloom Energy
Ceres Power Holdings plc
The British company, founded in 2004, develops electrolysis technologies for green hydrogen and fuel cells for electricity production in the business areas SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) and SOEC (solid oxide electrolysis cell). It belongs to around 37 percent of the two main shareholders Weichai Power and Robert Bosch GmbH.
Ceres Power Holdings plc
Enapter AG
The company, headquartered in Germany with a research and production location in Italy, has developed electrolyzers in single- and multi-core systems and has now sold to over 350 customers in over 50 countries, from energy and transport to heating and telecommunications companies. After projects were delayed, management in November reduced the sales forecast for 2024 from EUR 34 million to EUR 22 to 24 million – the annual loss could reach the ten million-euro mark. Part of the order volume of around 50 million euros comes from the US subsidiary Clean H2 Inc. (www.cleanh2.energy), which is benefitting from the Inflation Reduction Act, including the funding of hydrogen applications.
Enapter AG
FuelCell Energy
The company based in Danbury, USA, which is primarily active in the field of industrial production, was founded in 1969 and employed 591 employees at the end of the last financial year. Jason B. Few held the chairmanship. The largest shareholders are The Vanguard Group, Inc., BlackRock Fund Advisors and Legal & General Investment Management Ltd.
FuelCell Energy
H2 Core AG
H2 Core Systems GmbH, a spin-off of the TC Hydraulik Group, was assessed as a contribution in kind with EUR 36 million and against 10 million stocks (to the shareholders TC Holding GmbH, World Wide Green Holding GmbH, BluGreen Company Ltd. and Enapter AG) brought into MARNA Beteiligungen AG, which had left the previous business area (ship financing) and has been renovated to H2 Core AG. Together with the previous share of around 1.5 million stocks and a capital increase in mid-2024 (324,826 new stocks were issued at EUR 2.20 per share), there were over 11.8 million stocks at the end of 2024. In the first half of 2024, the sales of the system integrator (with customers in Europe, Asia, South America and the USA) rose by 48 percent to around EUR 3.13 million, with the loss to EUR 2.5 million. Enapter AG is the main supplier of the electrolysis blocks (stack modules) necessary for the hydrogen-based plug-and-play supply solutions from H2 Core.
H2 Core AG
HydrogenPro ASA
The main product of the company specializing in hydrogen and renewable energies is an alkaline high-pressure electrolyzer. Innovative coatings were developed with the acquired Danish Advanced Surface Plating APS. The systems can be adapted to the customer’s request. The main shareholders are the Austrian plant engineer Andritz AG (23%) and the Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (17%).
HydrogenPro ASA
Industrie De Nora S.p.A
The Milan company, founded in 1923 (by Oronzio de Nora) and has been listed since 2022, is one of the world market leaders in the field of electrochemistry. In addition to electrodes and coatings for various industries (e.g. chlorine chemistry), electronics components, water filters and disinfection technologies, the product range also includes components for hydrogen electrolysis. De Nora is present in ten countries – there are also research centers in Italy, Japan and the USA – and after the Thyssenkrupp Group with almost 25 percent, is the second largest shareholder of the Thyssenkrupp Nucera AG & Co. KGaA. In 2023, sales rose only minimally to a good 856 million euros, but the profit by 158 percent to EUR 231 million. In 2022 and 2023, dividends (each 0.12 euros per share) were distributed. The equity ratio is relatively high with 68 percent recently, but the profit may have decreased considerably (estimated to be less than 80 million euros) in 2024 – as well as the share price, from over 20 euros (mid-2023) to less than 7 euros in February 2025.
Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
ITM Power PLC
The British company, founded in 2001 (www.itm-power.com), is one of the most established companies in the electrolysis industry in Europe, even if sales are still very low compared to the stock market value. ITM Power, whose three major shareholders also include Linde, has, among other things, founded a joint venture (50/50) with Linde: ITM Linde Electrolysis GmbH (ILE GmbH) wants to implement the world’s largest electrolyzer system in Leuna, Germany. ITM Power offers several electrolyzer models, from Trident (2 MW) and Neptune to Poseidon (20 MW) for major projects. The share price dropped from GBP 7.17 (early 2021) by over 95 percent to less than 0.35 (February 2025), which corresponds to a market value of almost GBP 220 million, almost ten times the turnover of the last four quarters.
ITM Power PLC
McPhy Energy S.A.
The company, headquartered in Grenoble and having several subsidiaries such as McPhy Energy Deutschland GmbH, sees itself as “developers and manufacturers of systems for the production and distribution of carbon-free hydrogen.” In addition to electrolyzers, the locations in France, Germany and Italy also offer storage containers and systems, including for the energy and transport area. The sales forecast for the financial year 2024/02/01 to 2025/01/31 was reduced from 18 to 22 million euros to EUR 11 million in autumn 2024.
McPhy Energy S.A.
Nel ASA
After electrolysis, the Norwegian company, founded in 1927, also specialized in infrastructure (construction of hydrogen refueling stations and injector systems, mainly for transportation) and founded with Hexagon Composites and PowerCell Sweden the joint venture Hyon for the area of watercraft with fuel cell drives in 2017. As part of the PosHYdon consortium, an offshore hydrogen production system (on the oil and gas platform Q13a-A of Neptune Energy) is also planned. After Nel CEO Håkon Volldal in 2024 only saw “limited synergies between the business areas of refueling and electrolyzers,” the refueling division under the name Cavendish Hydrogen was outsourced and separately brought to the stock exchange in Oslo. In 2023, Cavendish generated and announced an equally high loss with NOK 330 million turnover (+59%) and announced the releasing of around 45 percent of the employees in the 1st quarter of 2025.
Nel ASA
Cavendish Hydrogen ASA
Nikola
A tragedy is the share of the US company named after Nikola Tesla based in Phoenix, Arizona. Already at the presentation of the first “hydrogen-powered” truck, it turned out that the advertising video was a fake (a moving Nikola truck was shown that was not operated with hydrogen). There are collaborations with German companies and with the Norwegian Nel (for a hydrogen refueling station network in the USA). After a hype with share prices of over USD 80 (split-adjusted would have been around USD 2,000) and judicial convictions of the first CEO, the stock is now a penny stock. The stock market value has shrunk from at one time tens of billions to around USD 50 million, which is not surprising: In 2023, a record loss of over USD 864 million at not even USD 36 million turnover.
Nikola
Plug Power
The US company is one of the world’s largest buyers of liquid hydrogen, but after the takeover of United Hydrogen (2021) it also produces it itself. At the beginning of 2025, the US energy ministry (DOE) via the Loan Programs Office (LPO) and in accordance with the Justice40 initiative of the Biden Administration gave the green light for the requested loan guarantee of USD 1.66 billion. This is intended to finance the development, construction and ownership of up to six systems for the production of green hydrogen. A sign of hope after reducing the sales forecast for 2025 from USD 1.5 billion to 850 to 950 million at the end of 2024.
Plug Power
PowerCell Sweden AB
The company, founded in 2008, produces fuel cell systems that can convert fossil as well as renewable energy sources into hydrogen. So far, it has produced losses, with one exception in 2019: The sale of around 50 million euros was achieved by selling an exclusive production and sales license for the S3 fuel cell stack to Robert Bosch GmbH. In the first three quarters in 2024, sales rose by four percent to over SEK 190 million, but accrued a loss, like in the previous year’s time with SEK 53 thousand, of around SEK 50 million.
PowerCell Sweden AB
Proton Motor Power Systems plc
The British fuel cell company with the German subsidiary Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, which also develops products in the area of hydrogen, has hardly been over annual sales of over GBP 2 million in the past seven years. In 2018 and 2019, there were only around 0.8 million pounds – with mostly higher, often double-digit million losses. The equity ratio has been negative for many years. The share price dropped from over 50 pence (early 2021) by more than 99 percent to around 0.1 pence (February 2025). In order to save costs, the management considered at the end of 2024 to take the stock off the stock exchange soon.
Proton Motor Power Systems plc
SFC Energy AG
The company (formerly SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG) offers systems and components with small fuel cells (10 to 250 watts of power) that can be used to produce electricity independently and noiselessly, for example on campsites, but also for military applications.
In the first three quarters in 2024, company turnover rose by 20 percent to over 105 million euros, with the profit by 35 percent to EUR 8.7 million.
SFC Energy AG
Snam S.p.A.
The company, which was founded by the energy corporation Eni in 2001, operates a natural gas transport network of around 38,000 km in and also outside of Italy and gas storage of 15 percent of natural gas reserves in Europe. In the hydrogen sector there is a joint venture with Industrie De Nora S.p.A., and participating in the large SouthH2 Corridor project are Snam along with partners Gas Connect Austria GmbH, Bayernets GmbH and TAG GmbH.
Snam S.p.A.
Thyssenkrupp Nucera AG & Co. KGaA
In 2024, the electrolysis company split off the Thyssenkrupp Group (Thyssenkrupp AG remained as a good 50-percent main shareholder) gained Fraunhofer IKTS as a strategic partner for “highly innovative high-temperature electrolysis” (SOEC technology) – and the US energy ministry has selected Thyssenkrupp Nucera “to advance the mass production of water electrolysis cells and to build up an automated assembly line of these cells.” In financial year 2023/2024 (as of 2024/09/30), an operational loss of EUR 22 million was generated with a turnover increase of 32 percent to EUR 862 million (including over 500 million euros in the area of alkaline water electrolysis).
Thyssenkrupp Nucera AG & Co. KGaA
Weichai Power
This vehicle technology group, founded in 1953, was called Weichai Diesel Engine Factory until 1992 and still produces diesel engines in China today. With participations such as that of Ballard Power and Ceres Power, they now also deal in the production of fuel cell products or hydrogen applications. The share prices of the H2 stocks also listed on German stock exchanges swung between 0.93 and 2.78 euros in recent years, most recently at around 1.70 euros.
Weichai Power
The author Max Deml (born 1957) has been editor-in-chief of the Öko-Invest stock exchange letter since 1991 and author of the manual ” Grünes Geld” (green money, 8th edition since 1990). In 1997, he developed the international nature stock index NX-25 (with 25 members) and in 2001 the solar stock index PPVX, which contains the 30 largest listed PV production, supply and operator companies.
by Jens Peter Meyer | Mar 13, 2025 | Germany, international, Market, News, Trade fairs and congresses
Advance report for Hannover Messe 2025
Processes for the production, storage and use of hydrogen scaling, reducing costs and increasing efficiency: The trade fair Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe in Hannover is again proving the progress the hydrogen economy can show.
No energy transition without hydrogen. H2 is a central energy storage medium in a world liberated by fossil energies, and its use is the key to decarbonizing industrial processes. At the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe 2025 from March 31 to April 4, which takes place at the Hannover Messe, visitors can learn which solutions and technologies the hydrogen industry can already offer today. Over 500 exhibitors from all areas of hydrogen use are presenting their services and products ⎼ from start-up to large, internationally known companies, to renowned research institutes.
This year, organizer Tobias Renz again is offering visitors two forum areas: At the Technical Forum, the exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their latest developments and products in short lectures. This also includes an “elevator pitch” on the subject of hydrogen production. At the Public Forum, exhibitors and guests from industry and politics will discuss new projects and developments. Here the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives from renewable energies, CO2-neutral industrial production and fuel cell applications are in focus.
H2-international, in this trade fair preview, is focusing on a selection of innovations that visitors expect this year.
Hydrogen transport
Hydac is showing a new sensor-based clamping tape for hydrogen tanks in Hannover. The “Hy-Ros H2 Mount Smart” is said to be the world’s first sensor-based transport protection for this application. The clamping tape equipped with sensors is intended to improve the safety of H2 vehicles, because it enables reliable real-time monitoring of the tank attachment. The circumference of H2 tanks can change by up to 2.5 percent in the refueling and emptying process, which is a challenge for the fastening systems.
Hydac compares its preventive approach to a tire pressure monitoring system. The data about the condition and integrity of the fastening is continuously supplied, which means that any deviations can be recognized early and appropriate measures can be initiated.
Hydac, Hall 13, Stand C44
Components for fuel cells and electrolysis systems
The Swiss company Celeroton TurboCell has specialized in the development and production of ultra -high turbo compressors and drive systems for fuel cell applications. The products are used in applications such as intralogistics, the heavy-duty area, in stationary systems, drones and the marine sector. The company has expanded its portfolio of next-generation compressors and wants to increase the number of quantities. The complete solutions consist of the gas-stored turbomachine with an electric motor as a construction unit and coordinated electronics.
New is the CTI-1100 compressor, the second generation of the turbo compressor with integrated inverter of the company. The new generation should have a higher efficiency and improved aerodynamics and at the same time offer a compact size. Thanks to the efficiency and a long lifespan of the compressor system, customers should be able to achieve low total operating costs.
Likewise new is the CTE-4000 compressor with CC-4000-inverter, which is intended for the air supply of fuel cells with a net output of 100 to 200 kW. The new system is available with an optional turbine expander and in several aerodynamic modes. In addition to a portfolio made of standard systems, Celeroton TurboCell also offers tailor-made solutions for specific customer requirements.
Fig. 2: The compressor CTE-4000 ensures the air supply of fuel cells, Source: Celeroton TurboCell
Celeroton TurboCell, Hall 13, Stand D50
The automation company Pilz presents solutions for functional safety in the hydrogen industry. It is about recognizing gas leaks reliably and quickly, always keeping pressure, level, voltage and electricity in view and safely monitoring combustion processes. Proven security principles of automation are used. Pilz also shows how hydrogen applications can be protected against manipulation and incorrect operation.
Safe automation is also a topic on the accompanying lecture program of the trade fair: At the Public Forum, Albert Cot, Market Development Engineer at Pilz, is reporting on the challenges of “functional security” and “industrial security” in hydrogen applications. At the Technical Forum, Thomas Braasch, Sales Engineer at Pilz, is dealing with the importance of functional security and industrial security in electrolysis procedures.
Fig. 3: In hydrogen applications, the quick detection of gas leaks is particularly important, Source: Pilz
Pilz, Hall 13, Stand D34
Neo Hydrogen Sensors, part of the Neooxid Group, offers H2 measurement technology and burners. At this year’s Hannover Messe, the company is presenting a new generation of intelligent hydrogen sensors. According to the company, conventional H2 gas sensors often reach their limits when highest demands on concentration resolution and the resistance to pressure, temperature and moisture are required. Such requirements prevail, for example, in the automotive industry or aerospace technology. The sensors of Neo Hydrogen Sensors GmbH should meet exactly these challenges and enable precise H₂ measurement, even under the most extreme conditions.
In addition, the company presents catalytic hydrogen burners for an emissions-free combustion. These include catalytic convertors for the efficient cleaning of electrolysis gases. The company has maintained a branch in Canada since 2021 and can therefore also serve the innovative market of this year’s partner country of the Hannover Messe.
Neo Hydrogen Sensors, Hall 13, Stand E19/3 (NRW Pavilion)
The engineering office Emcel specializes in advice and engineering in the field of hydrogen, fuel cells and e-mobility. For customers, the engineers develop concepts for the energy transition and sector coupling and support in the development of products. This can be vehicles, hydrogen refueling stations or electrolyzers.
The team led by managing director Marcel Coneille also offers its customers the measurement of the hydrogen purity and quality. The company’s H2 quality system enables continuous real-time monitoring of the hydrogen quality on site and at all points in the value chain. Fair visitors can experience live how the measuring device detects different contaminants. Because at the stand, the company wants to demonstrate how reliably and easily the measurement technology can be to ensure the hydrogen purity today.
Fig. 4: The engineering office EMCEL presents a measuring device for hydrogen purity, Source: Emcel
Emcel, Hall 13, Stand E15
Heraeus Precious Metals, a provider of precious metals, is coming to the exhibition center with the new Actydon brand. The new product family belongs to “Actydon | Platin”. These are platinum catalysts, the area of application of which is primarily electrodes of PEM electrolyzers and PEM fuel cells, which are also used in other fuel cell and electrolysis technologies. “Actydon | Iridium ”includes the corresponding iridium solutions. Among them are innovative catalyst solutions with low iridium content and catalysts that combine iridium with ruthenium.
Heraeus Precious Metals also offers a precious metal recycling for hydrogen applications, and also recycling entire stacks. The company recycles old materials as well as production residues and production waste, such as paints and pastes from the fuel cell and electrolyzer area with high precious metal return rates. “Actydon | Loop ”depicts the recycling family of the company’s product portfolio. The recycled precious metal can be used for the next generation of applications in the hydrogen economy.
Fig. 5: Under the Actydon brand, Heraeus sells precious metal catalysts for hydrogen applications, Source: Heraeus
Heraeus Precious Metals, Hall 13, Stand C21
Research
In order to reduce the material and manufacturing costs for PEM electrolyzers, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) is researching scalable production processes for catalyst-coated membranes (CCM). At this year’s Hannover Messe, the Institute is presenting microporative transport layers (MPLs), which the researchers have made scalable for the first time using industrial screen printing systems. The approximately 20-µm fine MPLs should enable the use of catalyst layers with significantly reduced iridium loading by improving the connection to the catalyst and thus increasing its use. In addition, they should simplify the use of thinner membranes so that ohmic losses can be reduced.
The institute also examines customer-specific procedures for the production of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for electrolyzers and fuel cells. Various MEA designs with a reduced precious metal load can be seen at the exhibition stand, manufactured with commercially available materials.
In addition, Fraunhofer ISE is showing the 3D exhibit ” Wasserstoff-Modellregion” (hydrogen model region) as a typical local, self-contained hydrogen infrastructure with regional production, distribution and storage, but also with connection points to national and international infrastructures. The exhibit is intended to represent the competencies of Fraunhofer ISE over the entire hydrogen value chain.
Fig. 6: Fraunhofer ISE has produced a microporous titanium layer on a titanium fiber substrate with the screen printing process, which is supposed to serve as an MPL, Source: Fraunhofer ISE / Joscha Feuerstein
Fraunhofer ISE, Hall 13, Stand C41
The institute for technical thermodynamics of the German aerospace agency (DLR) also deals with catalysts for electrolysis and fuel cells. The researchers use flame spray pyrolysis. According to the institute, this technology needs little resources to produce materials quickly and in large quantities. It does not change the heat or the chemical composition if it is used on a larger scale. With this technique, the DLR has developed stable catalysts for PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers. These should show an extraordinary performance and durability. And that with reduced amounts of precious metal catalysts.
In addition, the researchers are working on the use of pressure hydrogen for heat pumps or air conditioning systems. A heat exchange reactor is operated with different metal hydride powders, which also produces heat and cold. The heat and cold can then be used, for example, in trains, trucks, buses, in industry or for neighborhood solutions. The hydrogen-based heat pump can be integrated into any H2 infrastructure with a pressure difference between hydrogen supply and consumer. The aim is to increase the overall efficiency of the system – simply by converting the energy in the compressed hydrogen into a heat pump effect.
At another stand in Hall 2, the DLR is presenting its research in the field of mobility. For example, the research center has developed a hybrid SOFC battery system that is to be used in cruise ships. It combines the highly efficient solid oxide fuel cell technology (SOFC), which offers significant emission reductions and fuel flexibility, with a lithium-ion battery storage in order to meet the fluctuating energy requirement of a ship.
DLR Thermodynamik, Hall 13, Stand B36
DLR, Hall 2, Stand A48
Fraunhofer IMM also deals with hydrogen as a drive for ships. At the booth of this year’s Hydrogen + Fuel Cells, the institute is presenting the Gamma project. As part of the project, a bulk carrier is to be converted so that it can be supplied with climate-neutral fuels and green electricity. Fraunhofer IMM is bringing its experience in the development of compact reformer systems, on which the innovative fuel system for the ship is based.
Ammonia and green methanol are brought on board and then converted into hydrogen with cracker and reform technologies. After cleaning, the hydrogen is converted into electricity in fuel cells, which supplies the ship with electricity and the power generators operated with fossil fuels are replaced. The technological approach of Fraunhofer IMM reduces the size of the reactors by up to 90 percent, which is particularly advantageous for mobile and space-limited applications. The researchers have now managed to convert 700 kg of methanol into hydrogen per day in a compact methanol reformer. The plan is to further expand this service.
Fig. 7: The methanol reformer of Fraunhofer IMM, Source: Fraunhofer IMM
Fraunhofer IMM, Hall 13, Stand C47/1
Hydrogen trade
The gas provider Air Liquide assumes that the purely battery-electric drive, especially for heavy load vehicles, can often not be economical due to high costs for the necessary charging infrastructure. The use of renewable hydrogen in mobility also offers short refueling times and a long range of the vehicles. Therefore, the gas provider expects steadily increasing amounts of hydrogen in the mobility sector. The company creates hydrogen in the 20-MW PEM electrolyzer “Trailblazer.” It is said to be the largest electrolyzer in Germany currently connected to a pipeline.
Air Liquide, Hall 13, Stand E27/1
The Westfalen Group, a petrol station operator and provider of gases, is presenting its services for H2 supply to the last mile – whether through electrolysis on site, trailer supply or cylinder and bundle deliveries. The company is active in numerous hydrogen projects. This includes the construction of an electrolyzer in France to supply the steel producer ArcelorMittal. In the Netherlands, Westfalen is cooperating with the energy supplier Alliander in a pilot project in which hydrogen is fed into a natural gas network. Daimler Truck uses mobile trailer solutions from Westfalen for the supply to its fuel cell test stands.
One of the long-term H2 projects is the joint venture Two4H2, which Westfalen founded together with RWE last year. The aim is to build an H2 gas station infrastructure especially for heavy goods traffic. In addition, both companies are still working on an H2 refueling hub in Lingen, which has a public hydrogen gas station and a non-public refueling station for tank vehicles.
Fig. 8: Westfalen delivers hydrogen by trailer, Source: Westfalen
Westfalen, Hall 13, Stand E21/1
System integrators
Siemens is introducing itself at the industrial show as a partner along the entire H2 value chain for OEMs, EPCs, operators, end customers, governments and municipalities. The company wants to support customers in making hydrogen a future-proof, profitable and scalable business. Siemens offers its expertise in digitalization, automation and electrification.
The solutions from Siemens range from the first pilot projects to scalable and standardized blueprints. This also includes the production of green electricity, the network connection and the H2 production. Siemens also provides concepts for storage, transport and use that are tailored to the requirements of hydrogen.
Siemens, Hall 13, Stand C48
Joint stands
Baden-Württemberg is offering companies from the southern German state the opportunity to present their products and services at a joint stand. The-Länd-Gemeinschaftsstand (see Fig. 9) will be organized and supervised by the state agencies E-Mobil BW and Baden-Württemberg International as well as the economic promotion office of the region Stuttgart. All three institutions provide information about various offers regarding knowledge transfer, networking and support for business and science in Baden-Württemberg.
Industrial energy solutions based on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are the focus of the trade fair this year. Around 40 companies, startups, SMEs, business associations and networks are presenting current trends and developments when using fuel cells and electrolyzers in industry. Highlights are, for example, a low-PFAS membrane production, highly efficient fuel cell stacks and innovative electrolysis technologies.
In addition to H2 and FC technologies, current developments, proven know-how and skills for battery technology, electromobility, research, IT as well as machine, tool and plant engineering are being presented at the exhibitions.
Fig. 10: Around 40 exhibitors will be represented at the Baden-Württemberg stand this year, Source: e-mobil BW
Baden-Württemberg-Gemeinschaftsstand, Hall 13, C78
Author: Jens Peter Meyer
by Carsten Beyer | Mar 13, 2025 | Electric transportation, Market, News
H₂ hubs as the key to sustainable and efficient hydrogen mobility
The transport transition is a central component of the German climate protection strategy. As part of this, hydrogen is seen as a key energy source, especially for heavy-duty goods vehicles. But how can hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) be supplied with hydrogen efficiently, sustainably and economically? A joint study by the National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH) and the German Energy Agency (dena) examines four supply options via a future H₂ pipeline network. In the study, H₂ hubs that act as connecting elements between the emerging H₂ network and the HRSs are of particular importance.
The demand for hydrogen in road freight transport in Germany is estimated to increase to up to 2 million metric tons per year by 2045. In this scenario, nationwide supply will require the construction of more than 2,000 H2 filling stations. The planned core H₂ network, which is to reach a total length of 9,700 kilometers (6,025 miles) by 2037, can play a central role in this. It consists of 60 percent repurposed natural gas pipelines and is to be gradually supplemented by distribution networks in order to open up regions away from the main routes. The network will not only be able to serve industry and power plants, but also other sectors such as the mobility sector, creating a flexible and resilient hydrogen infrastructure.
The role of H₂ hubs
One of the key findings of the study is that it is economically attractive and technically feasible to supply HRSs via the H₂ pipeline network. The technical-economic analysis of the four supply options shows that an H₂ hub, which acts as a central supply point for a number of other HRSs and is connected to the H₂ core network, is the most attractive option.
Fig. 2: HRS supply by trailer from an H₂ hub connected to the core H₂ network. This is the preferred connection option to the H₂ pipeline network in the study.
The H₂ hubs act as links between the core H₂ network and the regional filling stations and are directly connected via a spur line. They take over central processes such as the purification, compression and storage of hydrogen. This achieves economies of scale that not only reduce costs, but also reduce the technical requirements for operating the filling stations. The hydrogen is then distributed by trailer at different pressure levels to the surrounding filling stations – the study assumes a radius of 50 kilometers (31 miles). Depending on capacity utilization, it is also conceivable to supply customers who do not come from the mobility sector but have similar hydrogen quality requirements.
H₂ hubs also offer flexibility in the integration of different hydrogen sources. They can be supplied via pipelines from the core network (the subject of the study), by local electrolysis or by other means of transportation such as trains and ships (this was not investigated in the study). This makes them a key building block for efficient and sustainable hydrogen mobility in Germany.
Fig. 3: Specific transportation and processing costs for H₂ supply by trailer from an H₂ hub with connection to the core H₂ network: cost components in two different scenarios of the preferred connection option for 2030.
Technical and regulatory challenges
Ensuring the quality of hydrogen for use in fuel cell vehicles is one of the key challenges facing H₂ hubs. The hydrogen obtained from the pipeline must be processed in accordance with the purity requirements of DIN EN 17124, which requires additional investment in innovative technologies. It is equally important that grid charges and grid connection fees are set promptly in order to create planning security for investors.
Transportation distances are a major cost driver. The positioning of H₂ hubs near regions with a high demand for hydrogen and a high density of filling stations is therefore crucial. At the same time, a regulatory framework must be created that enables the smooth integration of H₂ hubs into the existing infrastructure.
Recommendations for the structure
The study formulates nine specific recommendations for action to create an efficient supply of hydrogen filling stations via an H₂ pipeline network:
- Integration of planning: H₂ networks and filling station infrastructure must be closely interlinked during development in order to exploit synergies.
- Demand assessment: The establishment of a central platform for recording hydrogen demand facilitates the planning and identification of suitable H₂ hub locations.
- Location criteria: The development of transparent criteria for the location selection of H₂ hubs promotes targeted planning.
- Identification of possible H₂ hub operator models, in which local players should also be actively involved in order to strengthen regional value chains.
- Piloting: An initial H₂ hub should be piloted by 2030 in order to gather practical experience and identify optimization potential.
- Further investigation of the key aspect “hydrogen quality”: How and at what cost can the purification of the hydrogen extracted from the pipeline be guaranteed (with fluctuating quality/different impurities)?
- Technology development: Further developments in hydrogen processing and compression are essential in order to achieve economies of scale.
- Grid charges: Early determination of grid charges and connection fees creates investment security.
- Holistic analyses: The investigation of the effects of pipeline supply via the H2 network should also be extended to other areas (ecological, social, etc.).
Conclusion
The results of the study show that hydrogen filling stations can be supplied with hydrogen efficiently, sustainably and economically via an H₂ pipeline network in the future. H₂ hubs have a central role to play here. If the proposed recommendations for action are implemented, they could become a key component of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure.
The long-term goal is to ensure a nationwide hydrogen supply that integrates not only the transport sector, but all applications. This requires close cooperation between politics, industry and science in order to ensure the technical feasibility and economic viability of such a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. H₂ hubs offer a flexible and scalable solution that allows the infrastructure to be gradually adapted to increasing demand.
Literature:
NOW GmbH & dena: “Versorgung der H₂-Tankstelleninfrastruktur in Deutschland über ein H₂-Pipeline-Netz ,” 2024.
Author: Carsten Beyer, NOW GmbH, Berlin, Germany
by Hydrogeit | Mar 12, 2025 | Germany, Market, News
In the electrolyzer sector, not only Enapter needed to bury its production plans in Saerbeck last year (see H2-international Jan. 2025). Quest One is also struggling and announced the dismissal of 120 employees in February 2025. Quest One had just, with a lot of pomp, opened the production hall in northern Hamburg last autumn (see H2-international Jan. 2025), but now has initiated a “program to strengthen the company’s competitiveness” for the north.
Shortly before, the MAN subsidiary had presented a new management. With effect from February 1, 2025, Michael Meister was appointed the new CEO. He is supposed to take over the strategic management of the company temporarily and follows Robin von Plettenberg, who is leaving the company at his own request. The construction of a PEM electrolyzer in Augsburg was announced just four days later. The new demo electrolyzer is to be integrated into a test bench on the MAN Energy Solutions factory grounds for illustrative purposes.
