„Hybrion in focus: How Bosch plans to quicken the pace of hydrogen production“

Whether in chemistry, steel or mobility: The need for green hydrogen is growing. Bosch counts on scalable stack technology, industrial production and system competence. In this interview, Matthias Ziebell, Senior Vice President for Sales, Energy Markets and Business Development, explains how Bosch is entering the electrolysis market – and which levers will be decisive for a successful launch.

Bosch has developed the Hybrion stack as a central component for PEM electrolysis. What makes this stack solution unique in terms of efficiency, pressure stability and modularity?

The Hybrion PEM electrolysis stacks are the heart of every electrolyser. They are manufactured according to Bosch’s highest standards. The modularity of the stacks makes it possible to use them in every conceivable application from decentralised electrolysers for commercial enterprises to central industrial applications with several 100 MW output. One stack consists of  more than 100 electrolysis cells and can achieve an efficiency of up to 50 kWh/kg of hydrogen. The edges of the PEM membranes are reinforced which increases robustness and tightness and also the service life of the stacks.

You apply your experience in the development of fuel cells to the production of hydrogen. Which synergies could you create so far from your recent serial production – and what are the benefits for your customers?

Our advantage lies in the long years of experience we have with automotive applications that we can draw on here. Processes from the production of diesel and gasoline systems are used for the manufacture of electrolysers and fuel cells and developed further – as in laser welding and injector production. We can also use our know-how in coating technology and leak testing. Our customers benefit from our competence in serial and industrial manufacturing which enables rapid scaling up to large-series production.

In which sectors or application scenarios do you currently see the greatest demand for PEM electrolysis – and what has been preventing the widespread introduction so far?

Hydrogen is important to achieve CO2 neutrality in refineries, chemical plants and steel mills. In traffic and buildings, purely electricity based solution also reach their limits. We favour a technology mix of electrification and hydrogen solutions especially in commercial vehicles, ships and airplanes. The widespread introduction is currently prevented – among other things – by an insufficient  domestic hydrogen production. This could be countered by expanding renewable energies and speeding up approval procedures. A basic prerequisite  for a successful and sustainable market launch, though, is setting-up an adequate infrastructure. Regulatory and funding frameworks need to be created and developed further. Also, international partnerships and defined import strategies are required.

Your stacks produce up to 23 kg hydrogen per hour at an output of 1.25 MW.
How well can this technology be scaled to industrial applications?

The Hybrion stack is modular and can be integrated in scalable decentralized plants with containers of up to 5 MW per container which can be placed directly at the location of the hydrogen use. The integration in large industrial plants for the central large-volume hydrogen production with an output of several 100 MW or even Gigawatts is equally possible.

You already cooperate with several project partners such as Neuman & Esser or Tecnicas Reunidas. What are the most important criteria for you in these partnerships – and how do you guarantee that your technology can be integrated seamlessly with entire systems?

We select partners who value innovation and quality and are prepared to break new ground together. In order to guarantee the seamless integration of our stacks in larger systems, we focus on a close and transparent cooperation with our partners. We provide detailed technical specifications and integration guides as well as comprehensive support during the implementation of our stacks. Joint tests and validations guarantee that the components work smoothly together and the desired performance is achieved.

With your own water treatment solutions and a planned hydrogen circuit at the Bamberg site, you think system integration further. How important is the integrated approach for your customers – and what role will Bosch play in future as a technology partner beyond the stack?

A comprehensive, integrated approach is crucial for the overall efficiency and economic viability of hydrogen projects. In order to gain further experience, we will integrate a container based electrolysis plant with two of our Hybrion PEM electrolyser stacks in a hydrogen circuit at the Bosch site in Bamberg. In this project, we are supplier, customer, integrator and operator at the same time. This is a great way to expand our system know-how, and to support our customers even better with this freshly gained experience. At Bosch, we regard ourselves as technology partners who provide solutions and services in the field of hydrogen production.

By 2030, you expect billions in revenue in the hydrogen sector. What are the technological, industrial and regulatory preconditions required in your opinion in order to achieve this goal.

In terms of technology, further improvements of efficiency and life time of the electrolyser stacks as well as cost reductions are required. In terms of industrial applications, production capacities have to be ramped up and competitive supply chains to be established. In terms of regulations, clear and reliable framework conditions are needed that promote investment, define ambitious goals for green hydrogen, enable appropriate CO2 pricing and remove regulatory hurdles.