Continental has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art TechCenter dedicated to hydrogen technologies at its Hamburg-Harburg facility in Germany. This cutting-edge facility will serve as a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing within the ContiTech group sector. Its primary objective is to foster innovation and facilitate the transfer of existing technical solutions to explore novel applications in the field of hydrogen technologies. The TechCenter is poised to drive advancements and promote the widespread adoption of hydrogen-based solutions in various industries.
The aim is to bring together experts from different fields and industries. These shall identify technical, regulatory and infrastructural challenges along the entire hydrogen value chain, as well as develop corresponding overarching approaches to solutions.
“The gradual transition from fossil to renewable energy is not just about replacing one form of energy with another”, said Dr. Michael Hofmann, Chief Technology Officer at ContiTech, at the opening ceremony. “Rather, the transition entails a transformation in all industries and sectors. In this context, the potential of hydrogen is enormous. In the future, it will play a crucial role in decarbonizing various industries in the production, storage and transport of green electricity. Our decades of materials expertise in a wide range of industrial applications enables us to work with partners to develop products and solutions that meet the new requirements.”
“The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy goes beyond mere substitution,” emphasized Dr. Michael Hofmann, Chief Technology Officer at ContiTech, during the inaugural event. “It signifies a comprehensive transformation across all sectors and industries. In this regard, the potential of hydrogen is immense. It will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in decarbonizing multiple industries by facilitating the production, storage, and transportation of green electricity. Leveraging our extensive materials expertise accumulated over decades in various industrial applications, we are well-positioned to collaborate with partners in developing products and solutions that align with emerging demands.”
Dr. Piero Mancinelli, Head of the TechCenter for Hydrogen Technologies, further commented, “By 2030, we anticipate significant industrial utilization of hydrogen as an energy carrier, with exponential growth in applications across industries such as manufacturing, heat generation, and transportation. This expansive range of applications necessitates collaborative endeavors involving diverse stakeholders. Hamburg, with its conducive environment, provides an ideal setting to advance hydrogen technologies through a comprehensive approach.”
Continental, in collaboration with Renewable Energy Hamburg Clusteragentur GmbH (EEHH), recently hosted a forum titled “Hydrogen & Transportation” on July 5th. The event took place at the Innovation Hub situated within Continental’s factory premises in Hamburg-Harburg. EEHH has established a robust network comprising over 100 key players in the hydrogen sector, encompassing small, medium, and large enterprises, as well as research and development partners. Furthermore, it has successfully fostered an environment conducive to collaboration among local political entities, industry representatives, universities, and research institutions, focusing on various aspects of hydrogen technologies, legal considerations, and economic requirements.
The event witnessed active participation from over 50 individuals representing diverse industries and scientific institutions, fostering an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas and networking among stakeholders, all with a shared focus on hydrogen-related initiatives.
As an energy carrier, hydrogen is generated through industrial processes and necessitates efficient storage and transportation methods. Currently, several solutions exist for hydrogen transport, including compressed hydrogen at pressures of up to 700 bar, cryogenic liquid hydrogen maintained at temperatures below minus 253 degrees Celsius, or utilizing hydrogen combined with nitrogen to produce ammonia, which can be subsequently separated post-transport. Additionally, the option of combining hydrogen with other organic liquids is also being explored.
The diverse transportation requirements of hydrogen necessitate a meticulously developed infrastructure across the entire hydrogen value chain. To ensure the safe delivery of hydrogen to its destination, various components such as hoses, lines, seals, fittings, containers, and transportation vehicles must possess specific properties, including pressure and temperature resistance. The selection and development of materials with suitable characteristics are vital for the widespread future utilization of hydrogen.
Leveraging their extensive technical expertise in handling a wide range of gases and liquids, particularly in traditional industrial sectors like oil and gas, Continental is now poised to apply this knowledge in the development of innovative products that cater to the evolving demands of the new energy carriers. This positions the company to meet the significantly altered requirements associated with hydrogen as it emerges as a prominent energy source.
