Alzchem positions itself in e-mobility in the fuel cell sector as a technology provider in the production of hydrogen tanks

Trostberg, December 1, 2021 – Alzchem Group AG, a vertically integrated specialty chemicals supplier with a leading market position in selected niche markets, intends to intensify its penetration of the e-mobility market in the field of fuel cells. The aim is to position itself as an important solution provider in the manufacturing process of hydrogen tanks, which are among the key components of this strong future drive type due to their high pressure resistance. Based on its already highly successful additives for the composites industry, Alzchem has developed a technological all-in-one solution for more efficient fiber winding of carbon fiber-reinforced hydrogen pressure cylinders in order to offer manufacturers here significant advantages in processing, surface quality and quality control.

Andreas Niedermaier, CEO of Alzchem Group AG: “With our DYHARD® Fluid System, we are addressing all types of e-mobility based on fuel cell technology, i.e. primarily commercial vehicles, maritime solutions and rail transport. This is where we first expect the breakthrough for fuel cell technology. However, we are also in discussions with manufacturers in the mass automotive market. Even the aircraft industry is working on H2 propulsion systems. Our goal is to establish our solution in the manufacturing process of high-performance H2 pressure cylinders as a key component in the market. We are currently talking to all pressure cylinder manufacturers in the world, German and European as well as Asian and American manufacturers.”

In heavy-duty transport in particular, ambitious fleet targets are increasing the development pressure on automobile manufacturers. Hydrogen propulsion is seen as a solution and a quantum leap. Alzchem is already working here with several OEMs in markets where technology is at the forefront. In Japan and South Korea in particular, trucks with fuel cell propulsion systems are already marketable. An expanded product range for market entry in Europe will follow. The goal of a German automotive group is to sell only zero-emission commercial vehicles in Japan, North America, Mexico and Europe by the end of the decade. The maritime sector is also an interesting market for Alzchem. Alongside Germany and an American-British cooperation, Scandinavia is a pioneer in hydrogen in the maritime segment. Another target market for fuel cell technology and thus hydrogen pressure cylinders will be rail transport. The world’s first H2 trains are already in operation on the German rail network. Diesel locomotives will also increasingly be replaced on non-electrified lines in favor of zero-emission trains.

Dr. Georg Weichselbaumer, CSO of Alzchem Group AG: “Manufacturers such as Daimler or Bosch pay attention to a high level of in-house value creation in fuel cell technology and want to cover many components themselves. With our solution, we enable the hydrogen pressure cylinders to be manufactured as efficiently as possible, but at the same time, we are not dependent on the respective technology or the specific fuel cell system. This enables us to address the entire market spectrum of e-mobility based on fuel cell technology. We want to make a contribution so that this environmentally friendly technology penetrates the transportation sector as quickly as possible and improves its CO2 balance quite significantly.”