The T!Raum initiative "H2!Raum Mittelstand Ruhr 2030" (H2R) designs and tests new formats for knowledge, ideas, and technology transfer in the analysis, development, and exploration of the application potential of hydrogen systems in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This approach opens up new innovation and transfer pathways.

The partners involved in H2R are collaboratively building new structures for cooperation, interaction, and qualification. They develop, test, and establish flexible formats and service modules to collectively elevate regional knowledge and technology transfer to a new level.

The H2R operates in the Ruhr area of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), a region undergoing structural transformation due to the phase-out of coal mining and coal-based power generation. Investments in hydrogen infrastructure are simultaneously creating a new technological foundation for innovation, as hydrogen is set to play a key role in the future energy mix as a versatile energy carrier for various applications and renewable energy storage.

The T!Raum initiative "H2!Raum Mittelstand Ruhr 2030" (H2R) targets this technological field. Working closely with SMEs, the initiative employs experimental approaches to test and refine new ideas and formats, transfer insights from hydrogen research into industry, and drive innovation in this sector. The development of novel transfer instruments is intended to have an impact beyond the Ruhr area in later phases.

Initial Partners: 

Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy (IEG), 

IHK Nord Westfalen (Chamber of Commerce and Industry), 

ProPuls GmbH, 

ZINQ GmbH & Co. KG, 

Gelsenwasser AG, 

Business Metropole Ruhr GmbH (BMR).

More Information: https://www.w-hs.de/forschung-und-kooperation/hochschulkooperationen/h2r/.

Contact Westfälische Hochschule: