Starting signal for hydrogen centre: Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) advances key technology
The Hydrogen Technology User Centre (WTAZ) has been launched with the handover of the funding decisions by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, Minister President Markus Söder, and State Minister Hubert Aiwanger. The project is being realised by THI together with HyTACC, HyTACC CRYO, the Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH), Landshut University of Applied Sciences, the municipal company H2LA, and the Free State of Bavaria. The aim is to establish an internationally visible infrastructure for the development and testing of hydrogen-based mobility technologies.
The THI is playing a leading role in the network: it is building a complete vehicle test bench for hydrogen-based commercial vehicles. With a climate chamber, simulators for fuel cells, batteries, and drive systems, as well as modern sensor technology, it will cover the entire development chain from the laboratory to real operation. Research focus areas include efficiency, safety, operational stability, and the safeguarding of cyber-physical systems and automated driving functions.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder emphasises,
Germany is an international leader in hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
”In order for this key technology to find its way from research to widespread application, it needs a bold entrepreneurial spirit and efficient innovation spaces. This is exactly what the Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Centre in Pfeffenhausen in Bavaria is doing. That is why we are supporting the establishment of the centre with start-up funding of 54 million euros. A central innovation platform for hydrogen technologies is being created here, which will decisively advance the drive revolution in transport and at the same time ensure sustainable value creation in Germany.”
Minister President Dr Markus Söder, said:
This is a strong signal for the mobility of the future.
”The project strengthens our strategy for the expansion of domestic energies and research into future technologies such as hydrogen. Bavaria is a leader in Germany in the expansion of renewable energies. We are making a clear commitment to climate protection and transformation. It is a strong signal for the whole of Lower Bavaria that the federal government is supporting this.”
Minister of State Hubert Aiwanger, added:
The realisation of the WTAZ marks another milestone in the implementation of hydrogen in mobility.
”Thanks to the start-up funding from the federal government and the grants from the Free State, both the basic infrastructure and the corresponding testing, inspection, and certification facilities for components in the tank, refuelling, and drive areas can be set up at the Pfeffenhausen site. This will particularly benefit small and medium-sized companies, start-ups, and the supply industry in the transformation towards mobility with green hydrogen. In addition, a strong research network consisting of the three universities of Ingolstadt, Regensburg, and Landshut is ready to offer the necessary scientific expertise to the industry on site. The additional production of green hydrogen in the neighbouring electrolyser will create a promising hydrogen hub on site, where the standards of German and European hydrogen technology will be set.”
The funding, totalling 54 million euros from federal funds and the European development programme, forms the basis for implementation. Around 32 million euros of this will flow into the scientific infrastructure of the participating universities.
Within the research alliance, THI is responsible for the development of the overall vehicle perspective. The OTH is constructing a test stand for H2 combustion engines and injection rates, while Landshut University of Applied Sciences is building a thermal test stand for hydrogen storage systems and their components. HyTACC CRYO is planning a direct liquefier for the production of green liquid hydrogen, while the municipal company H2LA is developing and providing the infrastructure at the site. The joint test hall with outdoor areas will be used by all partners, in particular by small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups.
Professor Hans-Joachim Hof, Vice President for Teaching and Students at THI, says:
We are very pleased about the funding decision, which further strengthens CARISSMA as a leading scientific centre for vehicle safety throughout Germany.
”With the addition of hydrogen as a technology carrier for commercial vehicles, we are specifically expanding our profile to include a forward-looking topic and providing important impetus for safe and sustainable mobility,”
This will create a high-performance research hub within the National Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Centre at the Pfeffenhausen site until the planned commissioning at the end of 2027. The existing electrolyser supplies green hydrogen and creates the basis for a fully sustainable test and supply infrastructure.
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Starting signal for hydrogen centre: Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) advances key technology, source
