3 minute read
Hydrogen is the key raw material for a global energy revolution
Hydrogen
By Lukas Dehling, Schaeffler Global
Advertisement
As an automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler’s focus is on the development of the entire spectrum of hydrogen technology applications.
Schaeffler’s aim is to create sustainable and CO2-neutral mobility while taking the entire energy chain into consideration by harnessing the enormous potential of green hydrogen along the entire valueadded chain.
The energy chain with green hydrogen comprises of the following stages: Electricity from renewable energy sources can be used to generate hydrogen via electrolysis with zero emissions in the manufacture of green steel, hydrogen can substitute the role coal currently plays in the smelting process. When hydrogen is generated from renewable energy sources, the production of the e-fuel’s main component is “green”. Since hydrogen and its derivatives can also be exploited thermally in similar applications, its future use for the purpose of heat generation is also conceivable.
And what about the corresponding value-added chain? How far has the industry progressed to date?
In order to harness the immense potential of hydrogen, we must drive forward the industrialisation process and establish an entirely new industry – with new technologies, production facilities, and supply chains.
The industrialisation process must start now. Schaeffler, as an automotive and industrial supplier, has a secure place in that process, with a range of entirely new applications for its established products.
Schaeffler can make a significant contribution to the efficient highvolume production of key components thanks to our core expertise in the fields of materials, forming, and surface technology. The metallic components of fuel cells and electrolysers are an area in which we are particularly strongly involved. Bipolar plates, produced by precise forming and coating in the thinfilm range, are arranged into stacks and form a key part of hydrogen systems. The fuel cell stacks are energy converters, in which hydrogen and oxygen are combined to generate water generating electricity. Schaeffler’s in-house technologies are providing interesting solutions for industrialised components within the hydrogen production.
Rapid action is essential, because our future climate is dependent on new innovations in carbon-free energy production worldwide. As a
Lead image: Sustainable mobility can only be successfully achieved if the primary energy source is produced from renewable sources such as wind, solar orgeothermal. Above and below: by developing and manufacturing key components for fuel cell technology, Schaeffler makes an essential contribution to securing the sustainablemobility of tomorrow.
technology partner, Schaeffler leverages its engineering and manufacturing capabilities to enhance viability of green hydrogen technology investment in Australia. Economic feasibility as a function of capital investment is a challenge that can be addressed by our patents (e.g. bipolar plates) through developing and launching new solutions in partnership with key stakeholders. Hydrogen is the key raw material for a global energy revolution. Large quantities of oil, coal, and gas can only be found in specific regions.
Green electricity to produce CO2-neutral hydrogen can be generated in many places around the world, however. Interestingly, the regions that produce oil today are often also favourable locations for generating solar and wind energy, which means that they will still have business potential in the energy landscape of tomorrow. As far as its significance for generating energy is concerned, it is certainly safe to say that hydrogen is the new oil – and in the best case is also green.
About us
Schaeffler is an industry leader. The invention of the cage-guided needle roller bearing put Schaeffler at the forefront of motion and mobility right from the outset. We design both rotary and linear motion, in automobiles, machines, wind turbines, and many other industrial applications.
Our passion for technology and innovation is a core element of our DNA. Our pioneering spirit, with our courage and curiosity, continues to move us forward.
Our purpose in today’s environment is just as relevant as it was throughout our 70-year history. Through our innovations in technology, we are here to support and respond to the global challenges and contribute to building a sustainable future for our global society.
