Hydrogen is the key topic of the climate-neutral industrial turnaround. Leading industry representatives are seeing a growing demand and increasing interest from potential customers. “Since the Inflation Reduction Act in the US, more economies, such as the EU and Canada, have initiated measures to transform their economies in a climate-neutral way. These government investment packages provide the hydrogen industry with planning security and create good framework conditions,” states Robert Campbell, CEO Energy Division at First Hydrogen Corp. As an example, the manager, whose company specialises in light commercial vehicles with fuel cells and the development of a hydrogen infrastructure, cites the latest EU regulation in this area. This regulation provides specific minimum standards for developing hydrogen filling stations within the EU.
However, Jens Asmuth, Managing Director of Ja-Gastechnology GmbH, believes the hydrogen transition is more of a marathon than a sprint. “It may take years for green hydrogen to become truly affordable. Until then, we will also need blue hydrogen,” says the CEO of the internationally operating medium-sized company from the Hanover region, who wants to make the technology marketable in the transition phase with mobile solutions for electrolysis and hydrogen filling.
Gurjant Randhawa, CEO of Cipher Neutron Inc., emphasises that there are also major differences in electrolysers: “Classic PEM electrolysers typically require large amounts of platinum and cannot do without the eternal chemicals PFAS. Analysts expect the demand for platinum to increase by a factor of 240 by 2050. PFAS are harmful to health and are expected to be banned in many regions of the world. Electrolysis solutions that do not rely on platinum and PFAS reduce risks associated with supply chains and ESG, offering significant advantages.” Industrial companies that want to invest in hydrogen technology should closely examine today’s technology and anticipate future developments. Tim Cholibois, Strategy Manager at the German electrolyser specialist Enapter AG, shares a similar view: “Hydrolysis technology is evolving. Those who invest in hydrogen today must consider this transformation. Our solutions have become smaller, lighter and more affordable over the past four years.”
According to Christiano Musi, CEO of Italian hydrogen company Landi Renzo, and Jim Payne, CEO of dynaCERT, the best opportunities to profit from the growing demand for hydrogen solutions lie with companies that are already positioned in the market: “We are already generating significant sales from hydrogen and are active along the entire value chain. This provides our customers and us with great flexibility in an emerging industry,” says hydrogen infrastructure expert Musi. Jim Payne of dynaCERT adds: “Companies that have been involved with hydrogen solutions for years not only have more knowledge, they also benefit from already established business relationships and certifications. The latter processes can sometimes take years.”
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