Starting today, the first fuel cell systems to be produced in Hamburg are coming fresh from the production line. At an opening event, intralogistics specialist STILL launched Hamburg’s first production line for 24-volt fuel cell systems. That makes STILL the first original equipment manufacturer in Europe to offer its own fuel cell system –an advance for the intralogistics sector as well as for Hamburg as an innovation hub.
Together with Hamburg’s Senator for Economics and Innovation, Dr. Melanie Leonhard, and Prof. Dr. Klaus Bonhoff, Head of Department for Policy Issues at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV – Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr), Dr. Florian Heydenreich, Executive Vice President Sales & Service STILL EMEA, pressed the launch button at 12 noon, officially opening the manufacturing plant for 24-volt fuel cell systems at the Hamburg STILL plant. High-capacity fuel cell systems for warehouse equipment will be mass-produced here in future – from the manufacture of individual components in the mechantronics centre, to the production of the fuel cell systems in the production line as well as the final quality check in a specially designed test bench. Particular attention is paid to the complex testing process, as it ensures that the system functions properly, can withstand the highest pressure and no gases can escape.
STILL has been involved in developing hydrogen technology in various projects and initiatives for many years and was able to gather extensive experience and expertise in the production and use of fuel cell systems. With the launch of its own production line, it is now possible to provide the first 24-volt warehouse vehicles ex works as fuel cell versions.
STILL is the only manufacturer in the intralogistics sector to manufacture its own fuel cell systems with the option of integrating them into its vehicles. “As a pioneer of the intralogistics sector, we see it as our responsibility to advance the energy transition in a bold and consistent way. Being an emission-free and resource-protecting drive system, the development of green hydrogen technology plays a significant role in this regard”, explains Dr. Florian Heydenreich, Executive Vice President Sales & Service STILL EMEA. Today, we are taking a major step forward on this important journey, making the use of fuel cell systems both possible and feasible for our customers.” The fuel cell system was developed within the Group and under the framework of the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology, was funded in the amount of 1,914,687 euros. The funding guideline was coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).
Holistic system integration: STILL cooperates with infrastructure partners
STILL is working with various experts on hydrogen projects, including Hydrogentle, in order to ensure that the use of hydrogen-powered industrial trucks is really feasible for customers and that they receive comprehensive advice on fuel cell technology. The Hamburg engineering firm specializes in the planning, design and implementation of green hydrogen projects. STILL customers therefore benefit from a one-stop shop – from high-quality industrial trucks including fuel cell systems to consultation, planning and service as well as the entire hydrogen infrastructure.
To facilitate and appeal to customers with small fleets, STILL will also offer a mobile hydrogen refuelling station for refuelling hydrogen-powered vehicles as well as fuel cell vehicles as a rental service from the first quarter of 2024. Customers will have the opportunity to test fuel cell technology for around four weeks without restrictions and in real-use scenarios. They benefit from a comprehensive solution: fuel cell vehicles with a corresponding refuelling system, including approval and installation.
Expansion of portfolio and production capacities
STILL continues to invest in the expansion of hydrogen technology in intralogistics. On the one hand, the Group is already working on the development of a 48-volt fuel cell system that will also be produced at the Hamburg plant in future. On the other, STILL is planning the expansion of production capacities over the coming years. The existing production line is already designed with this in mind.
Image: Prof. Dr. Klaus Bonhoff, Head of Department for Policy Issues in the BMDV, Economics Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard and Dr. Florian Heydenreich, Executive Vice President Sales & Service STILL EMEA (l-r), jointly press the start button for the first production line for fuel cell systems at the STILL plant in Hamburg.
Source of original release: STILL GmbH