Category: News

NPROXX made a remarkable impression at this year’s Hydrogen Technology World Expo in Hamburg, reaffirming its position as a world leader in hydrogen storage solutions. The event brought together global pioneers, innovators, and decision-makers in the hydrogen industry, and NPROXX stood out with its cutting-edge technology and an exceptional team performance throughout the exhibition.

At the heart of NPROXX’s presentation were its Type 4 High Pressure Hydrogen Cylinders, representing the latest advancements in hydrogen storage technology. Designed and engineered to deliver unprecedented storage capacity, safety, and durability in a compact form, these cylinders showcase the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence in design, material science, and manufacturing precision.

Visitors to the NPROXX booth experienced first-hand how the company’s solutions are shaping the future of sustainable mobility, renewable energy storage, and industrial hydrogen applications. The engineering expertise behind every NPROXX product reflects a deep commitment to innovation, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of technological progress within the global hydrogen ecosystem.

Beyond its impressive technical demonstrations, the NPROXX team also demonstrated exceptional engagement, professionalism, and enthusiasm throughout the exposition, connecting with industry leaders, customers, and partners from around the world. Their collaborative energy and shared vision underscored the company’s dedication not just to technological innovation, but also to building meaningful relationships that accelerate the transition to a clean energy future.

With every development and event participation, NPROXX continues to drive the hydrogen economy forward, setting new standards for performance, reliability, and sustainability in hydrogen storage. The success in Hamburg marks yet another milestone in NPROXX’s journey – one defined by vision, innovation, and leadership in enabling the hydrogen-powered world of tomorrow.

Copyright Picture: Mobility & Innovation Production

NPROXX is proud to reveal that we have established a partnership with Mobility & Innovation Production, a Slovak company focused on the research and development of zero-emission propulsion systems for various vehicles.

Mobility & Innovation Production have recently unveiled their hydrogen-powered truck featuring our cutting-edge NPROXX AH620-70-3 Pressure Cylinders – each truck in this groundbreaking fleet is equipped with four NPROXX cylinders, providing robust, efficient and safe hydrogen storage to power the next generation of zero-emission heavy vehicles.

Certification and Early Sales Success

The first fully equipped hydrogen truck has successfully received certification (homologated according to R134 standards), marking a key milestone in its journey toward widespread adoption. Already, ten of these trucks have been sold, a clear indication of the market’s appetite for clean mobility solutions.

Contact

For more information about NPROXX and our hydrogen storage solutions, please visit https://www.nproxx.com.

Last month, NPROXX made a significant impact at the Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe, held in Hamburg, Germany, by unveiling two cutting-edge high-pressure hydrogen storage systems: the AH620-70 and the AH710-70. These innovative products are expected to set new standards in hydrogen storage, enhancing both the efficiency and scalability of hydrogen applications across various industries. As the global leader in hydrogen storage solutions, NPROXX’s participation underscored its commitment to advancing clean energy technology and meeting the growing demand for sustainable hydrogen systems.

Among the most anticipated highlights of NPROXX’s exhibit at the Expo was the introduction of its new high-pressure storage solutions: the AH620-70 and the AH710-70, both designed to operate at an industry-leading 700 bar pressure. These systems represent the latest advancements in hydrogen storage technology, offering unprecedented storage capacity, safety, and durability in a compact form. The AH620-70 and AH710-70 cater to the needs of high-demand industries, including heavy-duty transport, logistics, and stationary energy storage, addressing the need for robust and versatile hydrogen storage solutions that can endure rigorous operational conditions.

Commitment to Safety, Efficiency, and Durability

NPROXX’s AH620-70 and AH710-70 storage systems embody the company’s rigorous commitment to safety, efficiency, and durability. Each system is equipped with state-of-the-art materials and engineering techniques that ensure both the structural integrity and operational safety required in high-pressure hydrogen applications. The materials used in the AH620-70 and AH710-70 are lightweight yet exceptionally durable, allowing for efficient storage solutions that reduce the overall weight of hydrogen systems—a critical factor for transport applications, where weight optimization is paramount.

The design and engineering of these new systems align with NPROXX’s focus on sustainability and performance efficiency. Both storage solutions undergo rigorous testing to meet and exceed international safety standards, further solidifying NPROXX’s reputation for reliability. The focus on high-pressure storage at 700 bar allows for maximum hydrogen density, increasing the fuel range for applications such as fuel cell-powered vehicles and remote energy installations.

As the recognized world leader in hydrogen storage solutions, NPROXX has established itself as a cornerstone in the hydrogen industry. The company’s innovative approach to hydrogen storage technology has driven significant advancements, supporting the global energy transition by providing essential infrastructure for hydrogen utilization. With extensive experience and expertise, NPROXX remains at the forefront of hydrogen storage technology, continuously developing solutions that address the unique challenges of hydrogen’s high reactivity and storage demands.

NPROXX’s presence at the Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe showcased not only its technical prowess but also its vision for a sustainable hydrogen future. The company is dedicated to accelerating the adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel by providing efficient, high-capacity storage solutions that are essential for the widespread application of hydrogen in both stationary and mobile systems. By combining engineering expertise with a commitment to innovation, NPROXX is playing an instrumental role in the hydrogen industry’s growth and the global shift towards renewable energy.

Conclusion

The introduction of the AH620-70 and AH710-70 at the Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe 2024 highlighted NPROXX’s leadership and innovation in high-pressure hydrogen storage systems. These new products demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing hydrogen technology, offering solutions that enable industries to harness the potential of hydrogen fuel efficiently and safely. As the world moves towards a cleaner energy landscape, NPROXX’s contributions to hydrogen storage will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. Through its pioneering efforts, NPROXX continues to drive the hydrogen economy forward, meeting the demands of a diverse range of industries and applications, all while setting new standards in performance and reliability.

As a leader in the design and manufacture of high-pressure hydrogen storage solutions, NPROXX is proud to announce the development of its latest innovation, the 700 bar AH710-70 hydrogen pressure vessel. Designed particularly for the automotive sector, with a focus on heavy vehicles and long-haul trucks, the AH710-70 is poised to set new standards in hydrogen storage efficiency and safety.

The AH710-70 pressure vessel is currently in the certification processes according to R134 and HGV2.0 standards. These certifications ensure that the vessel meets the highest safety and performance requirements, critical for its intended use in the demanding environments of heavy-duty transportation.

Key features of the AH710-70 include:

• High-Pressure Capacity: The vessel is capable of safely storing hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar, allowing for substantial energy storage within a compact footprint.
• Optimized Hydrogen Mass: With a usable hydrogen mass of 22.2 kg, the AH710-70 offers an excellent balance of weight and energy capacity, making it ideal for long-haul applications.
• Robust Design: The vessel’s volume of 553 liters and weight of 338 kg, combined with an outer diameter of 700 mm and a length of 2454 mm (including the valve), ensures a compact and robust solution tailored for heavy-duty vehicles.
• Flexible Mounting Options: The neck mounting design provides ease of integration into various vehicle architectures, enhancing its versatility.

AH710-70 Specifications

Volume	553 L
Weight	338 kg
Usable H2 mass	22.2 kg
Outer diameter	700 mm
Length incl. valve	2454 mm
Mounting	Neck mounting

In the meantime NPROXX have already received orders from leading automotive manufacturers, underlining the strong demand and market confidence in the AH710-70. The vessel will be commercially available starting in the third quarter of 2024, providing a timely solution for the growing hydrogen-powered heavy vehicle market.

In addition to the standard AH710-70, NPROXX is also exploring the development of vessels with varying lengths and greater hydrogen capacity, based on the same innovative design principles. This adaptability ensures that the AH710-70 can meet a wide range of customer needs and application requirements in the near future.

As the automotive industry increasingly embraces hydrogen as a sustainable fuel option, the demand for safe, efficient, and high-capacity storage solutions is more urgent than ever. The AH710-70 vessel represents a significant step forward in meeting this demand, offering unmatched performance and reliability for our customers.

NPROXX invites industry professionals, partners, and media to visit us at the upcoming IAA Transportation Exhibition in Hannover, from September 17th to September 22nd, at the InnoTrans Trade Fair in Berlin, from September 24th to September 27^th and at the Hydrogen Technology EXPO in Hamburg, from the 23^rd to the 24^th of October 2024. These events will provide an opportunity to learn more about the AH710-70 and explore the future of hydrogen-powered transportation.

NPROXX, a global leader in hydrogen storage solutions, proudly announces the development of its 700 bar pressure vessel, the AH620-70. Engineered specifically for heavy vehicles, long-haul trucks and automotive, this advanced hydrogen storage solution is set to revolutionize the transportation industry, driving the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The AH620-70 pressure vessel is designed to store 12.4 kilograms of hydrogen at an impressive pressure of 700 bar, offering unparalleled performance for demanding commercial applications. Currently undergoing rigorous certification according to R134 and HGV2.0 standards, the AH620-70 promises to meet the highest safety and quality requirements, ensuring reliability for fleet operators, setting a new benchmark for hydrogen storage solutions in the market.

“We are thrilled to introduce the AH620-70, a product that reflects NPROXX’s commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Johannes Lorenz, Head of Marketing and Sales at NPROXX. Further Mr. Lorenz added that “This new vessel represents a significant leap forward in hydrogen storage technology, providing a critical component for the future of zero-emission heavy transportation.” The AH620-70 is scheduled to be available on the market in the third quarter of 2024, already receiving significant interest with first customers already placing orders in anticipation of its launch. This early interest underscores the industry’s confidence in NPROXX’s cutting-edge solutions and highlights the growing demand for hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles.

NPROXX has also revealed that the AH620-70 serves as the foundation for a flexible design platform. Based on this innovative design, future pressure vessels with varying lengths and greater hydrogen capacity are possible, offering customized solutions to meet diverse needs across the heavy vehicle and automotive sector.

AH620-70 Specifications

Volume	350 L
Weight	211 kg
Usable H2 mass	12.4 kg
Outer diameter	610 mm
Length incl. valve	1917 mm
Mounting	Neck mounting

NPROXX invites industry professionals, partners, and media to visit us at the upcoming IAA Transportation Exhibition in Hannover, from September 17th to September 22nd, at the InnoTrans Trade Fair in Berlin, from September 24th to September 27^th and at the Hydrogen Technology EXPO in Hamburg, from the 23^rd to the 24^th of October 2024. These events will provide an opportunity to learn more about the AH620-70 and explore the future of hydrogen-powered transportation.

For more information, please visit our booth at these exhibitions or contact us directly through our website.

As the European Union sets ambitious targets for decarbonizing the transport sector, the race is on to develop zero-emission solutions for long-haul truck transport. Among the contender solutions being proposed, compressed hydrogen stands out as the frontrunner, offering the most viable and compelling combination of range, quick refuelling, and no emissions.

NPROXX, a leading provider of hydrogen storage systems, is confident that this technology will play a dominant role in the future of the industry. “I’m really sure that compressed hydrogen will become established in the market,” commented Henning Middelmann, Segment Leader for truck business at NPROXX. “It’s a question of ‘when’ not ‘if’”.

The case for hydrogen is particularly strong in long-haul applications, where battery electric powertrains face significant obstacles to adoption. The added weight and reduced cargo capacity of large battery packs become major drawbacks when trucks need to cover distances of 500 kilometres or more between charges. In contrast, fuel cell electric trucks, powered by compressed hydrogen, can achieve ranges and refuelling times comparable to diesel trucks.

Europe’s topography, namely its many mountains and hilly areas, are also a challenge. “You need more power or energy storage to go up and down hilly roads” explained Mr. Middelmann. “This is the great thing about hydrogen. A diesel truck can travel from the north to the south of Europe with 500 litres of fuel on board. To cover the same distance with hydrogen, you would need around 100 kilograms of storage, which is completely achievable with our current technology.”

While some truck manufacturers are exploring the use of liquid hydrogen or other hydrogen carriers, NPROXX believes that compressed hydrogen will win out in the near term. The company points to the existing standards and regulations for high-pressure gas storage, as well as the relative simplicity of the refuelling process, as key advantages.

Infrastructure: the chicken-and-egg situation

The shift towards hydrogen is being driven by increasingly stringent CO₂ emission regulations in Europe. The European Union has set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from trucks by 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030, relative to 2019 levels. To meet these goals, manufacturers will need to rapidly scale up production of zero-emission vehicles.

“By the end of this decade, we estimate the different OEMs will be producing around 30,000 hydrogen trucks per year and bringing them to market” says Middelmann. “That’s the necessary target they have to fulfil by 2030.”

However, the successful rollout of hydrogen trucks will depend heavily on the availability of refuelling infrastructure. Currently, there are only a handful of hydrogen stations in Europe capable of servicing heavy-duty vehicles. Expanding this network will require significant investment and coordination between governments, energy companies, and truck manufacturers.

“Currently, it’s expensive” said Middelmann. “One filling station costs at least €2 million, and as we speak there are very few customers already driving hydrogen vehicles. It’s a chicken-and-egg situation. You can’t have trucks without infrastructure, but you also can’t have infrastructure without trucks.”

To overcome this obstacle NPROXX believes that a concerted effort will be needed. “Governments will need to provide financial incentives and streamline permitting processes for hydrogen stations. Energy companies will need to invest in production and distribution of renewable hydrogen. And truck manufacturers will need to work together to standardize components and develop a common platform for fuel cell vehicles” commented Middelmann.

Despite these hurdles, NPROXX is optimistic about the future of hydrogen in long-haul trucking. The company is already working with several major truck manufacturers to develop storage systems for their upcoming fuel cell models. With its expertise in large Type 4 pressure vessels and its close partnership with parent company Cummins, NPROXX is well-positioned to become a key player in this emerging market.

And as the EU’s emission targets draw closer, the pressure is on to find sustainable solutions for long-haul transportation. While there is still much work to be done, hydrogen is increasingly seen as the key to unlocking a zero-emission future for the heavy vehicle transport industry that European society relies on so greatly.

As cities across Europe look for solutions that will help them rapidly decarbonize their public transport fleets, NPROXX, a leading provider of hydrogen storage solutions, is well positioned to meet growing demand for fuel cell buses.

Buses powered by hydrogen-powered fuel cells provide a viable alternative to battery powered vehicles for a number of reasons.

• Range and route flexibility: Hydrogen buses can travel longer distances on a single refuel compared to battery electric buses. “Especially in an interurban and hilly environment, where the consumption is high, hydrogen works because it can provide more energy” explains Arne Holz, NPROXX segment manager for the Bus market. “This allows them to service longer routes without needing to return to the depot for charging, or needs to wait at intermediate charging locations.”
• Faster refuelling: Hydrogen buses can be refuelled quickly, similar to conventional diesel buses. Battery electric buses typically require longer charging times, which can impact vehicle availability and route scheduling.
• Better performance in cold weather: Battery performance can degrade significantly in cold temperatures, reducing range and efficiency. Fuel cells are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Additionally, the waste heat from the fuel cell can be used to warm the passenger compartment, reducing the energy drain from electric heaters. “In cold conditions the energy consumption for heating the bus passenger compartment quickly exceeds the drivetrain consumption. This has a high impact on available Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) mileage.”
• Lighter weight: For a given range, hydrogen storage systems are typically lighter than the large battery packs needed in electric buses. This reduces the overall vehicle weight, which can improve energy efficiency and reduce tyre and road wear.
• Operational flexibility: Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure can be centralized at bus depots, similar to current diesel refuelling. This allows bus operators to maintain their existing route patterns and schedules. Battery electric buses may require more extensive charging infrastructure as well as space to set it up along routes or at terminuses.

Nevertheless, Holz acknowledges that battery electric buses are well-suited for shorter urban routes where the vehicles return to the depot frequently. The lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and the current high costs of fuel are also challenges that need to be addressed for widespread adoption of hydrogen buses” he comments. “I can’t follow arguments that suggest it’s a straight choice between BEV or hydrogen. Both drivetrains have individual advantages, which ultimately need to fit a complex catalogue of customer requirements. The overall requirement drives the decision, not a single factor.”

 

NPROXX makes inroads in bus market

NPROXX has already made significant strides in the European bus market, with key customer wins and production milestones achieved. The company is currently supplying hydrogen tank systems to several European bus OEMs.

A first batch of over 50 buses that comply with the new R134 homologation standard is expected to enter service by mid-2024. This will expand Europe’s biggest hydrogen bus fleet. These newly-designed systems combine NPROXX’s experience from former EC79 homologated systems and achieve the increased standards of the R134 regulation.

NPROXX is currently setting up a new production line for system assembly to increase production capacity. The company is also preparing its after-sales support capabilities to service these vehicles over their multi-year operating lifetimes. While the full concept is still under development, NPROXX aims to cover everything from routine maintenance to accident repair, with a fuller announcement expected later this year.

Looking ahead, NPROXX sees the hydrogen bus market as poised for significant growth. “What you also see is that more and more OEMs are requesting quotations and technical information. We can clearly see the demand ramping up” observes Holz.

Europe, and Germany in particular, are expected to lead this market, but demand is also starting to materialize in Asia and the US. While a few established players dominate the city bus manufacturing sector today, NPROXX anticipates more new entrants in the coming years as the technology gains momentum. “The EU Clean Vehicle Directive demands a 100% zero-emission target for urban buses by 2035, while setting an intermediate target of 90% by 2030. This really pushes the market,” says Holz.

As a key supplier to this growing industry, NPROXX is pushing for greater standardization of hydrogen storage system architectures to further increase system quality and provide attractive products and functionalities to the customers. The company develops a modular platform that still allows flexibility for bus OEMs to integrate these systems into their unique vehicle designs.

With the right strategic partnerships and continued investment in production and support capabilities, NPROXX looks well-positioned to capitalize on the accelerating global shift to zero-emission buses. As more cities commit to phasing out diesel fleets, hydrogen fuel cell technology is set to play a crucial role in delivering clean, quiet and efficient public transportation.

Hydrogen power has emerged as a vital element of the transition towards a sustainable and clean energy future. As demand for hydrogen continues to grow, the need for safe and efficient hydrogen storage solutions grows. NPROXX stands out as a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-pressure hydrogen storage solutions.

NPROXX’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability has propelled us to the forefront of the industry, earning us a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Our success is founded on our innovative use of advanced materials and relentless application of cutting-edge design principles.

Our composite pressure vessels, constructed from carbon fibre, provide a lightweight yet exceptionally strong solution for hydrogen storage. The unique combination of high-strength materials and well-thought-out design not only ensures a high degree of safety but also enhances the overall efficiency of our hydrogen storage systems. This allows for more hydrogen to be stored in a smaller space.

Sustainability is at the core of NPROXX’s mission. Our high-pressure hydrogen storage solutions play a pivotal role in the transition to green hydrogen. NPROXX’s high-pressure hydrogen storage solutions are incredibly versatile and adaptable, making our storage solutions a prime choice for a range of applications.

From hydrogen refueling stations to industrial and automotive, NPROXX’s tanks cater to diverse industries and their unique needs. The company’s commitment to research and development ensures that our products remain at the forefront of technology, evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of the hydrogen industry.

 

Setting the Standard for Safety

Safety is a major priority in the hydrogen industry and NPROXX has set the standard for safe high-pressure hydrogen storage. NPROXX Type 4 tanks are designed with the utmost care, adhering to rigorous international safety standards, including UNECER134, EN17339 ISO11515 and many more.

NPROXX’s commitment to safety also extends to the materials and manufacturing processes we use.  We ensure that our tanks are not only robustly manufactured but also highly resistant to hydrogen embrittlement and fatigue. This dedication to safety has earned NPROXX the trust of leading OEMs and manufacturers in a range of sectors, especially the automotive industry.

NPROXX has now completed a move of its operations to significantly larger premises at Alsdorf, Germany. The relocation is designed to support the hydrogen storage specialist’s major growth ambitions. “We have about 10,000 square metres in our facility now” explains Managing Director Klaus-Peter Kopper. “We have effectively tripled our size and capacity.”

In fact, the new facility gives NPROXX the space and capability to boost its production rates of hydrogen storage tanks and tank systems even further, thanks to improved efficiencies and new machinery. “We could in theory grow to five times our current  production, to over 30,000 tanks a year” says Kopper.

NPROXX’s Quality Manager, Claus Klein, highlights the much-improved production layout in the new plant. “It’s more streamlined and more like an automotive plant” he says. “Now our design teams are closer to the shop floor, we can achieve greater coordination, communication and efficiency, to ensure we deliver to customer needs more effectively.”

CTO Dietmar Müller sees exciting commercial possibilities opening up for NPROXX in 2024 as a result of the expansion. “We now have the chance to handle significantly bigger orders” he says. “We can deliver a storage system much faster than before, and our process stability improvements have already started to bear fruit with increased quality and reduced scrap rates.”

As well as efficiency, the new installation is delivering much greater automation. “Our strategic investments are activating fresh potential, from robotic handling systems to automated winding and curing equipment” explains Müller. “In-house system assembly abilities allow us to achieve integrated tank supply. Our customers stand to gain on cost, speed and reliability.”

Delivering the difficult challenges

The production of larger and more complex hydrogen tanks and systems is an NPROXX speciality which is also enhanced by the move to the new facility. “Our competitors focus on smaller vessels for automotive use,” says Müller. “We are very good at producing big tanks and systems for challenging situations. For example, we are currently looking at six-metre-long tanks systems for train and truck applications.”

NPROXX is also progressing towards compliance with the latest R134 pressure vessel standards. The tough requirements of this certification demand significant design adaptations, but Klein sees this as an opportunity “to get better and better”. And with strong market demand, including licencing agreements in the USA and China on the horizon in 2024, NPROXX’s new facility provides the perfect base for its ambitious expansion plans. “We now have the space and the capability to grow more aggressively,” concludes Kopper.