With the launch of ‘HyReference’, ZSW is strengthening the competitiveness of the electrolysis industry in Baden-Württemberg.
The ‘Electrolysis made in Baden-Württemberg’ project has established a regional electrolysis network comprising over 90 companies. Around 40 companies from the state have contributed components and technologies to the 1-MWe system demonstrator at the ZSW. Several companies are now using this as a basis to develop electrolysis products suitable for series production at the system, stack and component levels.
However, a key hurdle for new players is often the lack of a reference plant: technologies and products must be tested under commercial conditions with proven operating times. This is where ‘HyReference’ comes in. The electrolysis system ‘made in Baden-Württemberg’ will go into application-oriented reference operation with downstream hydrogen utilisation at the ZSW site in Ulm from the end of 2026. The hydrogen produced will be used in the ZSW's HyFaB fuel cell test field.
The aim is to support the participating companies with reference documentation containing information on possible operating errors, restrictions or, where applicable, potential for improvement in market access, thereby accelerating the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Baden-Württemberg.
