HOERBIGER joins the Hydrogen Engine Alliance

In an era where the challenges of climate change and the necessity for a sustainable energy transition are becoming increasingly urgent, the Hydrogen Engine Alliance has established itself as a driving force for the future of mobility. Founded in 2021, the Alliance unites leading companies from industry and research to promote the development and acceptance of hydrogen engines and the expansion of the necessary infrastructure. Achieving global emission reduction targets through a technology-neutral approach is crucial.

Hydrogen represents a clean, safe, storable, and transportable energy source that is nearly inexhaustible and plays a key role in transitioning to a post-fossil era. Europe, with its high share of energy-intensive industries and extremely limited renewable energy resources, faces a unique challenge. Decarbonization can only be achieved by replacing the currently imported fossil fuels such as oil and gas. Electrification alone will not be sufficient to achieve the goal of CO2 neutrality.

The Hydrogen Engine Alliance views hydrogen as a crucial contribution to defossilization without deindustrialization. Only by securing global primary energy needs through green hydrogen can a reliable supply to sectors, particularly mobility and transportation, be transitioned to a carbon-free future. The European Union considers the production and import of green hydrogen as an indispensable strategic energy carrier for the future, which also offers a perspective for greater global justice. Especially in regions rich in sun and wind, energy production for hydrogen generation becomes attractive. The produced hydrogen can be transported cost-effectively worldwide, making it a lucrative use of otherwise untapped renewable energy.

Established technology with a green perspective

The hydrogen engine, which emits almost exclusively water vapor, reduces global dependencies and secures jobs in Europe. It is crucial for achieving climate-neutral and thus sustainable mobility, particularly in terms of competitive mobility in the transport, heavy-duty, and machinery sectors. For vehicles with high power requirements and long operating periods, the hydrogen engine demonstrates its advantages.

Another benefit lies in the resource-efficient use of raw materials: the essential components of the powertrain consist of highly recyclable metals such as iron and aluminum, which are available in large quantities. In contrast, other technologies rely on rare and hard-to-recycle raw materials.

HOERBIGER brings valuable expertise and innovation power 

The development and operation of hydrogen engines have faced significant challenges in recent years. Converting diesel engines to hydrogen initially led to a 20 to 30 percent loss in power density and efficiency. Pure hydrogen ignites at very low energy levels, which can cause knocking and misfires, reducing overall efficiency. Additionally, issues like lubricant oil autoignition (LOA) and intense spark plug wear were problematic.To overcome these challenges, HOERBIGER and its partners Altronic and Prometheus Applied Technologies developed the AdaptH2 system. This system includes injectors with an adaptable nozzle design, predictive spark ignition control, and a unique pre-chamber design. This has addressed the main issues of using hydrogen as a fuel for internal combustion engines, paving the way for the emission-free hydrogen engine to enter the broader market.

Bernhard Zemann, Head of the Engine Business Unit and responsible for the cross-divisional coordination of hydrogen activities at HOERBIGER, comments: "Joining the Hydrogen Engine Alliance was a logical step for us. With over 130 years of innovation in the gas sector and nearly 30 years of experience with hydrogen, HOERBIGER is an indispensable partner in the hydrogen value chain. Our innovative products and solutions, including the AdaptH2 system, enhance the performance of key technologies and make hydrogen a viable CO2-neutral solution for our society. We look forward to leveraging our expertise within the Hydrogen Engine Alliance and collaborating more closely with industry partners."

Bernhard Spiegl, Chief Technology Officer at HOERBIGER, also attributes great potential to the topic of hydrogen on the group's innovation agenda: “We possess essential competencies to actively shape and sustainably influence this development. This involves leveraging the skills and experiences of nearly all divisions within the company. Given the dynamic progression of the H2 roadmap, it is crucial to achieve advancements in various areas of the hydrogen ecosystem. For instance, the Engine Business Unit, in close collaboration with its partners and renowned truck manufacturers, has brought a highly efficient hydrogen combustion engine to market. To me, that is true pioneering spirit!”