With our new company video, we are making our process for the simple, safe and cost-effective transport of climate-neutral hydrogen accessible to a broad public. Potential customers can also find out how they can be supplied with climate-neutral hydrogen from 2025 at comparatively low cost – even without a connection to the hydrogen core network, which will not be available for at least ten years. (Video initially only available in German)
The video explains how our ground-breaking technology works and gives an insight into our company.
Viewers learn about the many benefits of our storage systems – from high efficiency and simplified approval procedures to the quick availability without delays caused by infrastructure work.
Visit us at the Hydrogen Technology Expo in Hall A2, Stand 2D5. Find out more about our compact hydrogen storage systems in standard containers, which can store and transport the equivalent of up to 800 kg (25 MWh) per storage unit.
Learn more about our technology that allows us to store and transport the energy of hydrogen using iron oxide nuggets.
In addition to the significantly improved efficiency compared to conventional methods and maximum safety, the greatest advantages of our storage units include their immediate availability – without lengthy infrastructure adaptions or complex authorisation procedures
Saxony’s State Secretary Kralinski visits demonstration plant of AMBARtec
Free State of Saxony supports Saxony's hydrogen economy.
Dresden/Freiberg, 30 August 2024.
Thomas Kralinski, Head of Office and State Secretary of the State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport of the Free State of Saxony, visited AMBARtec AG's demonstration plant with a storage system for efficient hydrogen transport in Freiberg on 29 August to see for himself the numerous advantages of AMBARtec's highly innovative technology. The special feature is that the hydrogen, or rather its energy, is stored and transported using iron oxide nuggets - similar to small stones. One of the major advantages of this technology, which has been developed exclusively by AMBARtec, is not only its high efficiency and safety, but also its immediate availability – without the need for lengthy adaptations to the infrastructure and complex approval procedures.
To get the Saxon hydrogen economy off the ground
The containerised hydrogen storage systems developed by AMBARtec can be deployed quickly. They require no structural changes to the infrastructure and can be transported and handled using standard logistics such as trucks, trains or cranes. AMBARtec will therefore enable industrial companies to supply themselves with hydrogen at comparatively low cost from as early as 2025. This will give them a significant strategic and time advantage, allowing them to prepare for the transition to the hydrogen network. The hydrogen economy in Saxony is picking up speed! 'We have a large number of companies in Saxony that want to use hydrogen in the future and want to gain initial experience now,' said State Secretary Kralinski. 'It is therefore all the more important that storage solutions are already available today to enable companies to adapt to the new energy source.'
Significant reduction in authorisation effort
The storage material consists of iron oxide nuggets that resemble small stones. During storage, the added hydrogen reduces the iron oxide to iron. For discharging, steam is added which reacts with the iron. This produces iron oxide and hydrogen again. As no hydrogen can escape from the storage systems, even when loaded, and they are therefore not dangerous goods, the approval procedures are greatly simplified. No permits are required under the Industrial Safety Ordinance (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung) or the Hazardous Incident Ordinance (Störfallverordnung). 'We feed the water vapour produced during loading back into the electrolysis process,' explains Technical Director Uwe Pahl. 'Thanks to this closed water cycle and the up to 90 per cent reduction in water consumption during hydrogen production, our unique technology eliminates all requirements for electrolysers arising from the Water Resources Act (Wasserhaushaltsgesetz).'
Successful support of the hydrogen industry by the Free State
In addition to numerous economic policy measures, Saxony also provides its companies with considerable support in the development and implementation of suitable hydrogen technologies. 'For example, we receive support in the area of STEM employee retention and innovation bonuses,' says Matthias Rudloff, CEO of AMBARtec. 'Without these important subsidies, we would not be able to advance the development of storage systems to the same extent, or at least not as quickly, as we are still a small company. We are pleased that the government will continue to support the domestic hydrogen industry in the future.'
Highly efficient H2 storage system successfully scaled up to 250 kWh storage capacity
Test operation demonstrates the efficiency, safety and durability of AMBARtec's H2 storage systems
DRESDEN, 19 August 2024. AMBARtec AG has successfully completed and evaluated the multi-month field test of its H2compact 100 iron oxide-based hydrogen (H2 ) storage system. The results confirm the excellent energy balance of the entire process, from H2 production to storage charging and hydrogen discharge. By an optimal system integration of a high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC), efficiencies of over 80 % can be achieved. When the conversion to electricity via a high-temperature fuel cell (SOFC) is included in the analysis, the electricity-to-electricity analysis shows unprecedented energy efficiencies of around 60 %. The results also show the high cycle stability of the iron oxide nuggets.
Multi-month field test
Since September 2023, AMBARtec has been testing its 7.5 kg H2 storage system in full operation with hydrogen. The aim was also to optimise the plant control and find the best system configuration in terms of energy balance.
Maximum energy efficiency: AMBARtec's storage system + SOEC
The energy balance analysis shows that the AMBARtec storage system is ideally suited for combination with a SOEC. The determined efficiency is over 80 % - a very high value compared to other H2 storage systems. This is due to the system integration of electrolysis and storage.
The H2 produced in the electrolysis process leaves at a temperature level of over 500°C, which is also required for storage - this significantly reduces the heating energy required.
The water vapor produced during the reduction of the iron oxide can be fed back into the high-temperature electrolysis. This means that water evaporation is no longer required in the electrolysis process. This greatly increases the efficiency of the electrolysis process.
Use case: Electricity storage
If the SOEC/AMBARtec storage system combination is supplemented with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), the efficiency for the entire electricity-to-electricity process is around 60%.
By comparison, the efficiency of electricity-to-electricity-systems using PEM electrolysis and conventional storage systems such as liquid hydrogen, LOHC or pressurized hydrogen is less than 40%.
Durable storage material
Examinations of the iron oxide nuggets used show the high mechanical and chemical stability of the material. There are no changes in the storage capacity or other signs of wear.
Safety concept validated
AMBARtec has updated all tests and documents required for explosion protection. The basic plant safety concept is applicable to all storage tank sizes up to the planned 6,000 litre storage tanks and does not require any significant changes.
Further development of the system design
The test operation also served to improve the plant control, the heating system and the flow conditions in the storage system. AMBARtec used the results to derive an optimized design and optimized operating conditions for the next generation of storage tanks.
Outlook
AMBARtec is currently scaling up the hydrogen storage system to a volume of 1,000 litres. It has a storage capacity of 90 kg of hydrogen. Commissioning and testing will take place in the coming months.
In the future, AMBARtec will integrate its 1,000-litre modules into a standard 20-foot container that can be handled and transported using standard transport logistics such as cranes, trucks, trains and ships, with a capacity of 600 to 900 kg H2 (20 to 30 MWh) per container.
Handelsblatt: Hydrogen transport with standard containers made by AMBARtec
The intercontinental transport of hydrogen (H2) using our iron pellets offers many advantages over conventional solutions (liquid H2, compressed gas H2, H2 derivatives).
Scientists also favour the method of storing and transporting H2 using the reactivity of iron respective iron oxide – as the Handelsblatt article ‘Wenn der Wasserstoff per Container ins Werk kommt’ (‘When hydrogen arrives at the plant by container’) shows.
You can download the full article here (available in German only): Download
Green Hydrogen Innovation Congress: Saxony’s Minister of Economic Affairs in dialogue with AMBARtec
Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Martin Dulig (in picture left), used his visit to the Green Hydrogen Innovation Congress in Dresden to learn more about how our alternative hydrogen storage technology works and its numerous advantages. Speaking to Uwe Pahl, AMBARtec's Technical Director, he was particularly impressed by the maturity of the technology and its practicality. After all, the storage systems can be used immediately - without the need for lengthy and costly adjustments to the infrastructure.
Speaking to Uwe Pahl, AMBARtec's Technical Director, he was particularly impressed by the maturity of the technology and its practicality. After all, the storage systems can be used immediately - without the need for lengthy and costly adjustments to the infrastructure.
The Saxon Minister of Economic Affairs was also very interested in the various hydrogen storage and hydrogen transport projects that AMBARtec is currently working on with local partners. Ultimately, these will further advance the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Saxony.
During the Hannover Messe, we engaged in discussions with many interested parties, potential partners, and stakeholders. The feedback was consistently very positive. At this point, we would like to thank the numerous visitors to our booth as well as the organizers of the Lower Saxony joint booth.
AMBARtec Develops Compact 1000-liter Storage Unit for Storage and Transport of 90 kg of Hydrogen (H2) per Storage Unit
DRESDEN, April 22, 2024. AMBARtec AG is scaling up its field-tested iron oxide-based hydrogen storage unit to a volume of 1000 liters. Its storage capacity, at 90 kg of hydrogen, is more than 10 times larger than the capacity of conventional 300 bar pressure gas H2 storage units of the same size. The stored energy of 3 MWh enables initial applications in the industry. For more information, visitors of the Hannover Messe can visit the AMBARtec booth, located at the Niedersachsen Pavilion, Hall 13, Booth C61.
The potential applications of the AMBARtec storage unit are diverse, ranging from highly efficient energy storage to the secure transportation of hydrogen over considerable distances, and even to hydrogen propulsion in maritime shipping. Looking ahead, AMBARtec plans to integrate its 1000-liter modules into standard 20-foot containers, facilitating handling and transportation via conventional logistics means such as cranes, trucks, trains, and ships. Each container will boast a capacity of 600 to 900 kg of H2 (equivalent to 20 to 30 MWh).
Improved efficiency with zero safety riskso
Beim Speichern erneuerbarer Energie und ihrer bedarfsgerechten Bereitstellung vor Ort lässt sich der Strom-zu-Strom-Wirkungsgrad gegenüber herkömmlichen -
When storing renewable energy and ensuring its tailored provision on-site, the electricity-to-electricity efficiency can more than double compared to traditional H2-based systems by optimally integrating the storage unit with a Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) and a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). With rapid charging and discharging times of around 30 minutes, the 1000-liter storage unit is ideal for a self-sufficient energy supply for small businesses and residential properties with 20 or more units.
Due to the use of iron as the energy storage medium, no H2 can escape. Therefore, the storage unit is not classified as hazardous material and is easy to approve. Thanks to its very high energy storage density of around 3 kWh per liter, energy from sources like solar and wind parks can be transported cost-effectively over long distances.
Sustainable materials with minimal water consumption
Using iron oxide and water ensures the use of sustainable, readily available, and cost-effective materials. During the storage loading process, the water required for electrolysis can be efficiently recovered. With a 90% reduction in water consumption, the storage unit is especially beneficial for deployment in sun-rich regions with limited water resources.
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A realistic alternative for maritime shipping
Thanks to a considerably reduced space requirement by a factor of 10, straightforward handling, and top-notch safety measures, our storage units can effortlessly fit into the ship's hull and be paired with a hydrogen engine or fuel cell. This makes AMBARtec's storage solutions a viable and eco-friendly alternative for propulsion in the maritime industry.
Outlook
The next stages of expansion for the storage unit are already underway. This includes the development of two 6000-liter storage units with capacities of 600 and 900 kg of hydrogen, integrated into 20-foot containers. These units are designed specifically for industrial use.
22.-26. April: Our highlight at the Hannover Fair: storage unit for 90 kg of H2
AMBARtec develops compact 1000-liter storage unit for storage and transport of 90 kg of hydrogen (H2) per storage unit.
At the Hannover Fair, we will report about the numerous possible applications of the storage system – from highly efficient energy storage to the secure transportation of H2, and even to H2 propulsion in maritime shipping.
Visit us at the Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) joint Stand, Hall 013, Booth C61. Or attend our presentation on April 26, 2024, at 10:20 on the Energy 4.0 Conference Stage.
Team AMBARtec wishes you a happy, peaceful and successful new year.
We are well prepared for the tasks that lie ahead of us and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with our partners and companions.
We are particularly looking forward to reach important milestones in the coming months, such as the completion of our H2compact 1000 storage system with a storage capacity of 3 MWh.
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