Hydrogen Laboratory at WH: "H2 Solution Lab" enters planning phase

Düsseldorf/Gelsenkirchen – "H2 Solution Lab" Enters Planning Phase

The "H2 Solution Lab" is the first project in Gelsenkirchen to be recommended for funding by the Structural Strengthening Council in 2023 as part of the "5-StandorteProgram". A budget of €1.2 million has been allocated for the planning phase, while the construction costs are estimated at €40.7 million. Following the approval of funding, Westfälische Hochschule (WH) is now entering an 18-month planning phase focused on the design and development of the laboratory building at the Gelsenkirchen campus and its integrated laboratory infrastructure dedicated to hydrogen technology. Construction of the "H2 Solution Lab" is planned to begin immediately after the completion of the planning phase.

"With the 'H2 Solution Lab,' we are establishing the foundation for the development and transfer of future-proof technologies for the production and application of green hydrogen. We are delighted to take this step and move forward with the implementation of this large-scale project, which offers new opportunities for both the university and the region. The establishment of the 'H2 Solution Lab' is a major undertaking that can only be realized through close collaboration with the city of Gelsenkirchen and numerous regional stakeholders," said University President Prof. Dr. Bernd Kriegesmann and Prof. Dr. Michael Brodmann, Vice President for Research and Transfer.

State-of-the-Art Hydrogen Research Facility

The planned laboratory will cover approximately 2,000 m² and will provide all necessary development, demonstration, and transfer structures. Its flexible design will enable the development of research and knowledge transfer on components, subsystems, and complete hydrogen systems. Research will range from valves, electrolyzers, fuel cell and burner systems, compressors, and storage units to fully integrated hydrogen production and utilization systems.

There is a particularly high demand for mid-range hydrogen system technology among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

"As a regionally rooted industrial company with extensive experience in the hydrogen sector, we strongly support the development of local solutions for scaling up the hydrogen market," said Thomas Wessel, Chairman of the University Council at WH and Executive Board Member of Evonik Industries AG.
"This approach exemplifies the best kind of collaboration between science and industry."

A Milestone for Gelsenkirchen’s Hydrogen Leadership

Gelsenkirchen Mayor Karin Welge highlighted the significance of the project:
"The launch of the planning phase for the new laboratory is a major milestone for Gelsenkirchen. The 'H2 Solution Lab' not only holds potential for creating new value chains and jobs but also underscores our city’s long-standing expertise in hydrogen technologies."

"From hydrogen production to transport and its use in chemical processes or industrial heat generation—Gelsenkirchen is a pioneer in this field," she added. "With a well-established pipeline network and a university that has been conducting applied hydrogen research for over two decades, we are well-positioned for the future."

Simon Nowack, Head of Economic Development, emphasized the lab’s role within Gelsenkirchen’s hydrogen strategy:
"The 'H2 Solution Lab' seamlessly integrates into the road map for developing Gelsenkirchen as a hydrogen hub. The projected funding for the new lab represents one of the largest individual grants awarded under the 5-StandorteProgram."

NRW Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Mona Neubaur, underlined the project’s significance:
"I am delighted that Westfälische Hochschule is now entering the concrete planning phase of the 'H2 Solution Lab for Hydrogen Applications.' This project will lay the groundwork for a major hydrogen competence center. Scaling up hydrogen is at the core of our energy transition and is driving the transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises in North Rhine-Westphalia. I am convinced that this hydrogen competence center will play a key role in this process."

New Study Program Aligns with Hydrogen Strategy

In addition to the new hydrogen laboratory, Westfälische Hochschule is also aligning its academic programs with the hydrogen sector. The Bachelor’s program in "Hydrogen Systems and Renewable Energies" will launch in Winter Semester 2024/25, addressing the urgent need for well-trained engineers in hydrogen technology and alternative energy systems.

Background: The "5-StandorteProgram"

Funded by the German federal government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the 5-StandorteProgram supports sustainable structural projects in five municipalities and districts particularly affected by the coal phase-out:
Gelsenkirchen, Duisburg, Hamm, Herne, and the Unna district.

Project applications undergo a multi-stage qualification process. The Structural Strengthening Council, comprising representatives from government ministries, district administrations, the five participating municipalities, and key stakeholders from chambers of commerce, labor administrations, trade unions, universities, and environmental organizations, selects the projects eligible for funding.

Media Contact for Further Information

Media Contact for Further Information

Westfälische Hochschule – University Communication Office

Phone: +49 209 9596-8963
Email: presse(at)w-hs.de

City of Gelsenkirchen – Hydrogen Coordination
c/o Wissenschaftspark Gelsenkirchen Projekte gGmbH
Wolfgang Jung, Phone: +49 173-2530406
Email: jung(at)wipage.de

Source: University Communication Office, Westfälische Hochschule, May 13, 2024 (translation by deepl.com)