Hannover Messe 2025: Bosch embraces hydrogen production

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

German engineering giant Bosch has officially entered the hydrogen production market, showcasing its cutting-edge electrolysis technology at Hannover Messe 2025. The move signals Bosch’s long-term commitment to decarbonizing heavy industries using green hydrogen produced through renewable energy sources.

The company premiered its new Hybrion proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis stacks – the central component in electrolyzer systems. These stacks are featured in a modular 2.5-megawatt container system built in collaboration with FEST, a German firm based in Goslar.

"Green hydrogen will play a vital role in massively reducing carbon emissions in industrial, transport, and energy sectors," said Dr. Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management at Robert Bosch GmbH. “Producing it requires advanced electrolysis systems — and Bosch’s Hybrion stack is key.”

Despite a global slowdown in the hydrogen ramp-up, Bosch projects rapid growth in the sector. With global electrolysis capacity expected to reach up to 170 gigawatts by 2030, the company sees hydrogen as a strategic growth field with potential revenues running into the billions.

Bosch has already received pre-launch orders totaling around 100 megawatts. One notable order comes from Neuman & Esser, which will integrate 16 Hybrion stacks into a 20-megawatt electrolyzer. Bosch is also collaborating with major players such as Andritz, Pietro Fiorentini, Hyter, H2B2, and Técnicas Reunidas on upcoming European projects.

Production of the Hybrion stacks will be based at Bosch’s Bamberg facility. Each unit, composed of over 100 layered electrolysis cells, is capable of generating up to 23 kilograms of hydrogen per hour. This output is enough to power a 40-ton hydrogen truck for 250–300 kilometers.

A FEST electrolyzer featuring Bosch stacks will be installed at Bamberg later this year to close the loop: hydrogen generated will fuel the plant’s own fuel-cell stack endurance tests, with power generated from the tests fed back into the electrolyzer.

Bosch is also expanding its hydrogen ecosystem. Its Manufacturing Solutions arm is producing ultrapure water systems essential for electrolysis, while Bosch Rexroth – in partnership with U.S.-based FirstElement Fuel – has developed CryoPump stations. These refueling systems significantly reduce costs and cut heavy truck refueling time to just ten minutes.

"Hydrogen is not just a product focus — it's a full strategic ecosystem for Bosch," said Dr. Markus Heyn, Board Member and Chairman of Bosch Mobility.

With hydrogen infrastructure gaining traction globally, Bosch’s entry into electrolysis positions it at the forefront of green energy innovation.