GKN Hydrogen awarded Rhineland innovation prize
July 1, 2021
GKN Powder Metallurgy/GKN Sinter Metals has received the first Rhineland Genial Innovation Award for the creation of its newest business unit, GKN Hydrogen. The award was given on behalf of Metropolregion Rheinland, a collective of municipalities in the Rhineland region of Germany that aims to boost the local economy.
Bonn mayor Katja Dörner, one of the award’s presenters, expressed interest in the potential of GKN Hydrogen in taking steps to make the energy supply of residences and corporate buildings, stating that “a significant contribution to climate protection can be made.”
The decentralised energy systems developed by GKN Hydrogen convert solar, wind and water energy into green hydrogen via electrolysis and stores it chemically. When necessary, that hydrogen is converted back into electricity and heat using a fuel cell; the hydrogen can also be withdrawn directly.
This type of hydrogen storage is suitable for a variety of applications as it is reputedly completely safe, compact, lossless and 100% recyclable. In addition, the modular system design enables a wide range of uses in many sectors.
“The system can be used as an emergency power system, or it can supply energy to buildings and residential areas,” stated fellow presenter Professor Dr Stephan Wimmers, Managing Director of the Bonn Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “It enables the coupling to electromobility and offers upscaled solutions for industrial applications and maritime transport.
“GKN Hydrogen brings safe, green energy to housing, industry and the transportation sector,” he continued. “GKN is a strong piece of industry made in Bonn, and shows how industrial companies can be part of the future-oriented and technology-open solution in overcoming the climate crisis.”
