Hydrogen-based generator demonstrates its capabilities

Our team “Hydrogen on the Lower rhine“ was inivted to the opening of the Omexom Institute and energyLab in Uedem in July 2024. Here, our team clearly demonstrated what is possible with hydrogen.

Together with trainees from Omexom Smart Technologies GmbH, students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) developed a hydrogen-based backup power generator. This project, supported by our “Hydrogen on the Lower Rhine” team, will be professionally integrated into the newly opened energyLab at the Omexom site in Uedem. The energyLab is currently mapping the electrolysis of green hydrogen as well as storage options in energy storage units and hydrogen cylinder bundles; in future, the aim is to work on innovative solutions for the energy sector.

On the occasion of the opening of the energyLab, the prototype was presented and demonstrated how hydrogen can be used as an environmentally friendly energy source. The close collaboration was recognised on 22 May 2024 with the Kleve District Economic Development Agency’s university prize.

Key voices on the future of hydrogen

In addition to Mario Wehren, Management of the Omexom site in Uedem, and Markus Popp, Omexom Brand Director, Christoph Gerwers, District Administrator of the Kleve district, and Stefan Rouenhoff, Member of the Bundestag, spoke about the importance of hydrogen technologies for the region and Germany as a whole. Christoph Gerwers particularly emphasised the positive cooperation between the company and the university. Professor Dr Irmgard Buder from HSRW highlighted the tangible contributions of the students and trainees as well as the success of the multidisciplinary collaboration that makes this project so special.

Interdisciplinary collaboration bears fruit

What makes a project really successful? Of course: the people who work on it. Our transformation project “Hydrogen on the Lower Rhine” shows how energising the mixture of different disciplines and the joint tackling of challenges can be. 15 international students from five different degree programmes at HSRW worked hand in hand with two trainees from Omexom Smart Technologies GmbH to develop a hydrogen-powered backup power generator. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills led to an exemplary result: a functioning prototype that demonstrates what is possible.

Vivid highlight

Following the speeches, it was time for the practical part. Attendees rushed to the front: a drill was powered by hydrogen in the energyLab! This moment was a practical preview of how hydrogen can be used as a sustainable alternative to conventional diesel generators. Stored hydrogen reacted in a fuel cell to produce electricity during the demonstration. The stored energy was used to power the drilling machine and, with skilful hands, a shield was attached to a cement block. The joy and amazement of those present was palpable – proof that the work of our “Hydrogen on the Lower Rhine” team and Omexom Smart Technologies GmbH is bearing fruit.

A look into the future

The event at Omexom Smart Technologies GmbH in Uedem was another step on our journey towards a more sustainable (self-sufficient) energy supply. We look forward to continuing to work with inspiring partners on innovative projects in the future to actively shape the energy transition. Many thanks to everyone who made this success possible. To many more joint projects and success stories!

Together we keep the Lower Rhine region fit for the future! We invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Get to know our projects here.