(Munich / Germany) – Sungrow Hydrogen has established a “Sungrow Research Center” for hydrogen technology in Munich's Airport Business Park. According to the company, it will serve as an important hub for the further development of electrolysis and power-to-X technologies.
Center for Research and Development
The platform forms an R&D chain from material development to system validation with component testing and digital data analysis. The facility houses – in compliance with German safety regulations and "European standards for hydrogen development" – four specialized physics, optics, chemistry, and electrochemistry laboratories with 3D printing, scanning electron microscopes, and PEM assembly capabilities. There is sufficient space for expansion in response to technological developments and new testing requirements.
As part of the company's global strategy, the Munich laboratory combines hydrogen production, electrolysis, materials, and product research "into a single innovation chain." With investments in local research and international collaboration, the Sungrow Research Center aims to accelerate the commercialization of green hydrogen solutions worldwide and "strengthen technology leadership," according to Sungrow Hydrogen.
Cooperation on electrolysis concept with Wison
Just a few weeks ago, Sungrow Hydrogen, part of the Chinese inverter manufacturer Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd., together with the Chinese EPC conglomerate Wison Engineering, presented a turnkey solution for the production of green hydrogen called "MegaFlex." The "plant-as-a-product" concept is industrially scalable from the megawatt to the gigawatt range.
At the leading Chinese trade fair SNEC, Sungrow is presenting a new plant concept for the production of green hydrogen. © Sungrow Hydrogen
The model, presented at China's leading technology trade fair SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai, integrates electrolysis systems with a power supply, cooling system, water treatment, and intelligent control. By shortening delivery times, reducing construction costs, and improving operational reliability, the solution sets "new standards for efficient, economical, and reliable green hydrogen production." Designed for outdoor use, the devices are corrosion-resistant and offer robust protection against extreme temperatures, water and dust ingress, lightning strikes, and solar radiation.
Cost reduction by eleven percent
"Through product improvements, we have created a solution for outdoor hydrogen production through electrolysis that requires 15,5 percent less space than conventional systems and achieves 11,5 percent lower overall costs compared to a reference system," said Robin Sun, Managing Director of the Sungrow Hydrogen Product Center. A system will be implemented "shortly" as part of ACME's environmentally friendly ammonia project in Oman and tested under real-world conditions.
Comment: Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) is currently downplaying the importance of green hydrogen in Germany in favor of the fossil fuel industry, where she most recently served as a board member and lobbyist. As a result, German companies are cutting or postponing investments, creating gaps for other players, such as those from China. Sungrow recognizes this and wants to "strengthen its technological leadership" in this area. Meanwhile, Germany is currently developing considerable expertise in green hydrogen technology and research. The situation is reminiscent of another minister from the same party: A few years ago, former Federal Environment Minister and later Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier did everything in his power to undermine the burgeoning, innovative German photovoltaic (PV) industry. The country that invented feed-in tariffs and the solar boom has significantly contributed to the globally positive reputation of solar energy – but others are reaping the profits. And once again, German politicians are calling out: "China, take over." As an aside: Altmaier and Reiche know each other very well. He was Federal Environment Minister until the end of 2013, and she was his State Secretary. alo
Photo above
The Chinese company Sungrow Hydrogen is now conducting research and development in Germany. © Sungrow Hydrogen
