HOERBIGER receives funding for fully automatic production of bipolar plates for electrolyzers
In 2023, HOERBIGER started manufacturing bipolar plates for electrolyzers, a key component for the production of green hydrogen. For the development and demonstration of an energy-efficient and fully automatic manufacturing process for the bipolar plates, the company has now received funding from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. On October 8, representatives of the ministry visited HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik GmbH in Schongau to present the production certificate and visit the plant.
The funding programme supports the research, development and use of innovative technologies in the field of energy and energy efficiency. The aim of the funding is to develop technologies and concepts that offer significantly better efficiency, facilitate the use of renewable energies, ensure security of supply and quickly bring research results into practice and onto the market. This is intended to increase economic opportunities in Bavaria and to create and secure jobs.
With the production of bipolar plates, HOERBIGER is making an important contribution to the green energy future in Bavaria. "The key components for electrolyzers are still very complex to manufacture and are only worthwhile in large-scale production," says Thomas Englmann, head of the HOERBIGER Automotive Division, at the presentation of the subsidy certificate. "Thanks to decades of experience in metal forming in large quantities, high quality and at competitive costs, and our pronounced pioneering spirit, HOERBIGER is investing in the production of bipolar plates and thus in the future of the Schongau site."
Plates for electrolyzers are already being mass-produced at HOERBIGER in Schongau for the first customers. Among other things, the funding will support the further construction of the prototype plants and the development of systems and processes: "Our R&D center in Peiting already has its own electrolysis test bench in use," explains Dr. Ansgar Damm, Head of Research and Development at the HOERBIGER Automotive Division. "Another test bench has been ordered - a mini electrolyzer for testing individual components of an electrolysis cell."
About HOERBIGER
Locally close to the customer – globally successful: HOERBIGER is active in 43 countries on all continents worldwide. 6,174 employees at 133 locations – including 30 production plants – deliver reliable solutions for greater performance, greater safety and lower emissions. In 2023, they generated sales of 1.416 billion euros. For well-known customers from the energy sector, the process industry, the automotive industry, the mechanical engineering industry, security technology, and the electrical industry, performance-determining products and services from HOERBIGER make the difference. With innovations for decarbonization and the energy transition, HOERBIGER is already enabling change for a better tomorrow. As the majority owner, the HOERBIGER Foundation preserves its 129-year-old entrepreneurial heritage and guarantees stability, independence, and a future-oriented strategy.
Captions:
Header image: Visiting HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik GmbH: Representatives of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and the subsidy consultancy CMP Financial Engineers.
From left to right: Andreas Veit (Head of Operations, HOERBIGER), Gary Huck (CMP Financial Engineers), Michael Batz (Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs), Georg Funk (Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs), Dr. Ansgar Damm (Head of Research and Development, HOERBIGER), Burchard Schütze (Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs), Thomas Englmann (Head of Automotive Division, HOERBIGER), Fabian Schmidt (Plant Manager HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik GmbH), Christoph Pfaff (CMP Financial Engineers).
Second image: During a tour of the plant, Burchard Schütze learns how the bipolar plates are manufactured at HOERBIGER.
From left to right: Fabian Schmidt (Plant Manager HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik GmbH), Burchard Schütze (Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs), Dr. Ansgar Damm (HOERBIGER, Head of Research and Development).