New Hydrogen Research Testing Center Opens in Graz

A state-of-the-art testing facility aimed at advancing hydrogen research has officially opened at the TU Graz campus in Inffeld. This facility is touted as the most advanced electrolyzer testing station in Europe, marking a significant milestone in the region's commitment to hydrogen technology.

Alexander Trattner, a key researcher at the Institute for Thermodynamics and Sustainable Drive Systems at TU Graz, expressed enthusiasm as he showcased the cutting-edge equipment housed in a secure, hermetically sealed environment. The center is part of the HyCentA Hydrogen Competence Center, which has been operational for two decades, focusing on sustainable and emission-free hydrogen production, storage technologies, and fuel cells for mobility applications.

This newly inaugurated electrolyzer testing center received a substantial financial boost, with EUR4.5 million allocated from a total of EUR17 million provided by the government since 2022 to enhance hydrogen research infrastructure in Styria. The center features a 250 square meter testing area equipped with electrolyzers capable of producing up to 50 kilograms of hydrogen per hour, powered entirely by photovoltaic energy, thus categorizing the hydrogen produced as green.

To facilitate operations, a 300-meter underground hydrogen pipeline has been installed, alongside an 18-meter high storage tank with a capacity of 190 kilograms (48 cubic meters) of hydrogen. The facility is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing hydrogens production technologies.

In addition to the Graz facility, EUR5.5 million will support expansions at the Montanuniversität Leoben, which recently launched its own hydrogen and carbon research center. Currently, 150 researchers are engaged in hydrogen-related projects at Leoben, while Graz boasts a workforce of 250 professionals in the same field. This positions the institutions as the third largest hub for hydrogen research in Europe, enhancing their international visibility in this critical area.

The focus of research at the Graz testing center will be on long-term and stress testing, aging processes, degradation behavior, system reliability, and high-precision gas and water analysis systems. This integrated approach to electrolyzer research aims to improve efficiency while simultaneously reducing emissions.

Hydrogen's potential applications are vast, including its use in locomotives, ships, combined heat and power plants, and data centers. The aviation sector is also exploring hydrogen as a viable fuel source to improve environmental performance. Furthermore, industrial high-temperature burner testing at the Institute of Thermal Engineering is investigating the integration of hydrogen with natural gas, evaluating its impact on emission systems and burner loads.

Collaborations with industry partners, including Andritz, AVL List, and Bosch, are underway to drive innovation and practical applications within the hydrogen sector. Viktor Hacker, head of TU Graz's Institute of Chemical Process Engineering and Environmental Technology, highlighted that the new infrastructure creates a fully integrated research ecosystem encompassing hydrogen production, storage, transport, and application.

Overall, the establishment of this testing center is a significant advancement for hydrogen research, aiming to bolster efforts in decarbonizing industries and developing sustainable fuel technologies.