Pilot Project Sets Standards: HAINZL, Bosch and HyCentA Drive the Hydrogen Future Forward!
Our Vision Becomes Reality:
In cooperation with HAINZL, HyCentA Research GmbH is building a pilot plant at the research campus in Graz. This plant will enable the testing of PEM electrolyzer stacks with a power of up to 1.5 megawatts, addressing various research questions. This dimension is unique in Europe and marks a significant milestone for the further development of the hydrogen economy.
A particular advantage of the plant is the ability to utilize the produced hydrogen in the surrounding infrastructure on the campus of Graz University of Technology for various research purposes. This will optimize costs, efficiency, and ecological impact of hydrogen research activities.
While HAINZL is responsible for development, production, and construction, HyCentA, Austria's leading H₂ research institution, contributes extensive know-how and verifies the concept. With its many years of profound technical experience in testing electrolyzer components, cells, stacks, and complete systems, as well as an innovative methodology that integrates advanced diagnostics and robust test protocols under real-world conditions, HyCentA is perfectly suited to meet the project requirements. Commissioning and initial test runs will be carried out using the Bosch electrolysis stack. As part of a doctoral position at the Graz University of Technology's ITnA Institute, the test bench will be scientifically examined, evaluated and optimised.
This close collaboration provides us with valuable insights and new opportunities to make hydrogen technology more efficient and powerful. The experience of electrolysis stack manufacturer Bosch enables us to tailor the test bench's functions to specific development issues.
The research and development test bench is expected to start operations in Graz by mid-2026 and will offer a previously unique testing infrastructure for stack developers across Europe.
We are convinced that this project is an important step towards a sustainable energy future – and we look forward to further developments!
The COMET Centre HyCentA is funded within COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies – by BMIMI, BMWET as well as the co-financing federal provinces Styria, Upper Austria, Vienna and Tyrol. The COMET programme is managed by FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency.