12-05-2022

HOERBIGER expands its Hydrogen Research Center

The demand for CO2-neutral energy is increasing. Hydrogen will therefore become increasingly important for both industrial and consumer applications in the future. The compression of hydrogen is technically challenging due to the gas properties and the high pressures required. HOERBIGER has decades of know-how in hydrogen compression and is supporting the energy transition with its new Hydrogen Research Center in Vienna.

“With hydrogen, industry can significantly reduce its CO2 emissions and make an important contribution to reducing its ecological footprint,” said Wolfgang Sautter, member of the Executive Board and CEO of the Compression Division at HOERBIGER. “At the same time, hydrogen provides an attractive growth market for innovative companies with a high level of solution expertise.”

Sautter sees a “rapid development in the entire industry in the direction of renewable energies”. More and more chemical companies are planning to make greater use of green hydrogen to manufacture their products with lower CO2 emissions. In the mobility market, it is also expected that a large proportion of commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses will increasingly require compressed hydrogen — and this is where HOERBIGER can help, according to Wolfgang Sautter.

H2 compression requires expert knowledge — and compressors
Compressing hydrogen for these applications is complex and costly. Compression systems must meet clear requirements from customers such as hydrogen filling station operators, who require high reliability and flexibility, but also cost efficiency at initial investment and operation.

Most hydrogen applications outside refineries, which are currently the dominant field of hydrogen use, require oil-free compression at high pressures of up to about 1,000 bar. Conditions like these challenge the entire industry to develop new and innovative solutions.

HOERBIGER Hydrogen Research Center: Product development is already running at full speed
“HOERBIGER is already intensively researching innovative solutions and new products for the use of high-pressure reciprocating compressors in various applications,” said Dr. Markus Digruber, Head of Innovation and Business Development Compression Division at HOERBIGER. “To facilitate this work, we have expanded our Hydrogen Research Center in Vienna with our own high-pressure hydrogen test stand and put it into operation within just a few months. This addition allows us to evaluate and optimize our products under real conditions.”

The high-pressure hydrogen test stand of the HOERBIGER Hydrogen Research Center was opened by HOERBIGER Executive Board on April 21, 2022. It is the next important step in the company’s journey to becoming a solution provider for hydrogen compressors, with linked service.

With its pioneering spirit and 125 years of experience applying innovative technology to reciprocating compressors, HOERBIGER can drive the green energy revolution — through innovation, know-how and a wide range of products and services.