Pioneering work: Hydrogen storage works
The energy service provider EWE has completed its HyCAVmobil research project at its gas storage site in Rüdersdorf near Berlin. As part of the hydrogen storage project, EWE and its partner the German Aerospace Center (DLR) were able to prove that it is possible to safely store hydrogen in an underground cavern storage facility.
National Hydrogen Council issues three position papers on key issues for the hydrogen economy
The National Hydrogen Council (NWR – Nationale Wasserstoffrat) has addressed central issues for the further development of the hydrogen economy in three new position papers: The European Clean Industrial Deal, Certification Criteria for Low-CO₂ Hydrogen, and The Requirements for Energy Carriers in Transport when Implementing the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) into National Law. With clear recommendations, the NWR aims to actively shape the political and economic framework for a climate-neutral industry and a sustainable transport sector.
New brochure on the fire safety of electric cars: Current research and knowledge
How safe are battery-electric vehicles in the event of a fire? The electric mobility team at NOW GmbH has evaluated recent studies. The brochure ‘Fire safety of battery-electric cars’ (‘Bandsicherheit batterieelektrischer Pkw’) provides answers to the most important questions regarding the fire behaviour, fire protection, extinguishing and parking of electric cars. Illustrations vividly explain what happens during a thermal runaway, how a battery pack is constructed and the operational tactics of fire brigades when dealing with electric vehicle fires.
New data dashboard provides comprehensive overview of charging infrastructure at the local level
The National Centre for Charging Infrastructure, operating under the umbrella of NOW GmbH, is launching a new online offering called “AusbauMONITORING”. It provides detailed data on publicly accessible charging infrastructure that can be accessed and evaluated via an interactive dashboard.
Strategic raw materials for powertrain batteries in electric cars: Sufficient deposits, but extraction needs to be expanded
Graphite, cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese and nickel are essential for the production of powertrain batteries for electric cars. Global deposits of these raw materials significantly exceed projected demand. However, Europe has only limited resources of its own. Our new factsheet provides information on reserves, production volumes, demand and dependencies of producing and refining countries.
Study: H₂ refuelling stations could be supplied cost-effectively via pipeline
Together with the German Energy Agency (Deutsche Energie Agentur – dena), the National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW) is publishing a study on the future supply of Germany hydrogen refuelling station infrastructure via a hydrogen pipeline network. The analysis shows that a central hub model to supply hydrogen refuelling stations could be a cost-effective and sustainable solution. The study also provides nine specific recommendations for action to create the conditions for connecting H₂ hubs and refuelling stations to the H₂ network.
Recycling of traction batteries for e-vehicles: key points at a glance
With the number of electric vehicles increasing, so too is the demand for raw materials for battery manufacture. Raw materials like lithium, nickel and cobalt are a rarity in Europe or have to be imported. Recycling is an important route to becoming less dependent on imports. It conserves natural resources and reduces the CO2 footprint compared to primary mining. And proper disposal decreases environmental pollution.
