The ELYAS project by Bosch is transitioning its Bamberg plant from internal combustion engine manufacturing to PEM electrolysis stack production. This change aims to boost hydrogen technology, reduce emissions by 22.6 million tonnes over the next decade, and maintain jobs while generating economic growth in the local area. The project will receive €52 million from the Innovation Fund, which supports low-carbon technologies and aims to lessen greenhouse gas emissions in Europe.
The ELYAS project is transforming Bosch’s manufacturing plant in Bamberg, Germany, from producing internal combustion engines to manufacturing PEM electrolysis stacks. This transition utilizes existing production capacities and retains part of the workforce while establishing the site as a crucial location for electrolyser production, contributing significantly to the shift towards renewable hydrogen technologies.
PEM electrolysis stacks play a vital role in sustainable hydrogen production by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. The ELYAS project is expected to prevent 22.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over ten years, an amount comparable to Croatia’s total emissions in 2022. This highlights the importance of hydrogen technology in achieving Europe’s climate goals.
With its background in automotive manufacturing, Bosch has formed a reliable production process specifically for PEM electrolyser components, ensuring durability and efficiency. Supported by nearly €52 million from the Innovation Fund, Bosch aims to enhance the Bamberg facility, which is its second-largest globally, to support this new manufacturing focus.
Carola Ruse, Senior Vice President of Electrolyzer Solutions at Bosch, stated that scaling hydrogen production is crucial for paving the way towards carbon neutrality in Europe. ELYAS exemplifies how traditional industries can adapt to meet contemporary demands while preserving employment opportunities and supporting local economies.
The initiative is poised to stimulate job creation and develop a regional supply chain for hydrogen technology in the Bamberg area. This transition will engage local suppliers and manufacturers from the automotive sector, boosting North Bavaria’s economy, which heavily relies on automotive jobs.
The Innovation Fund, financed by the EU Emissions Trading System revenues, is among the largest global funding programs for innovative low-carbon technologies. It aims to support groundbreaking clean technology projects that deliver substantial greenhouse gas reductions and provide European added value. The ELYAS project is set to commence on January 1, 2024, in Germany, with an EU contribution of €51,926,000.
Original Source: cinea.ec.europa.eu
