(Görlitz) – The two Fraunhofer Institutes for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU and for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS want to pool their competencies with a new research infrastructure “Fraunhofer Hydrogen Lab” on the Görlitz Innovation Campus (HLG). According to the information, this will create an “internationally unique research platform on which novel technical approaches can be developed and tested along the entire hydrogen value chain” – from hydrogen production to storage and use.
Construction work is scheduled to begin this year. The institutes want to start research operations at the end of 2022 with an electrolysis output of ten megawatts. In the Hydrogen Lab, from 2023 onwards, up to 30 scientists will be examining stacks of electrolysers and fuel cells, in which electrical energy is generated through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. They evaluate technology systems or examine the materials used down to the microstructure level “in order to improve their reliability and service life or to make new properties and improved operational behavior possible.” According to the information, power electronics is also part of the HLG's range of activities, as are questions of digitalization and certification.
One focus is the further development of manufacturing technologies for electrolyzers towards large series and mass production. The research results are intended to form the basis for new or improved products, processes and business models that companies can rely on “to secure a good competitive position in the emerging German and global hydrogen economy at an early stage.” The Fraunhofer Institutes are already working closely with Siemens Energy on the development of the platform.
Saxony is supporting HLG with 30 million euros
The state of Saxony is supporting the development with around 30 million euros. Not only structural development in Lusatia and the city of Görlitz benefit from the HLG. For Saxony's companies, “the resulting solutions offer the opportunity to open up completely new business areas and future markets,” said Thomas Schmidt, Saxon State Minister for Regional Development. In addition, the project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with 11,6 million euros as part of the “Structural Strengthening Act for Coal Regions” (STARK).
Photos
The electrolysis test stand is used to determine how new materials in electrolyzers affect their service life and efficiency / © Fraunhofer IMWS
