New business models involving hydrogen 

The global hydrogen economy is growing. By 2023, electrolysers with a total capacity of around 1.4 GW had been installed worldwide. Based on projects currently announced, capacity could rise to around 520 GW by 2030. The Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 highlights this trend: according to the report, committed investment in clean H₂ now totals more than 130 billion US dollars. This represents a committed annual capacity of 6.9 million tonnes, spread across more than 570 global projects. 

The growing market is not only giving rise to new companies and technologies. Companies whose core business lies in other sectors are also recognising the opportunity to apply their existing expertise to the hydrogen sector. GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG, Robert Bosch GmbH and Purem by Eberspächer are prime examples of how they are expanding their business models to include new activities in the hydrogen economy. 

Germany is banking on hydrogen: new opportunities for businesses 

Market momentum has increased not only globally but also at national level. With the update to the ‘National Hydrogen Strategy’, which the Federal Government adopted in July 2023, Germany’s targets for 2030 have been expanded. The focus is on accelerating the market ramp-up of hydrogen and its increased use in industrial processes, heavy goods transport, and in aviation and shipping. At the same time, Germany aims to become a leading centre for hydrogen technologies across the entire value chain. 

Against this backdrop, various opportunities are opening up for companies in Germany to help shape the market. The areas of application range from industry and petrochemicals, through mobility and transport, to building heating and electricity supply. 

GKD: Technical fabrics for the hydrogen economy 

The German company GKD has its origins in a wire weaving mill founded in Düren in 1925. Initially, the focus was on filters and screens for coal slurry dewatering. Over the decades, the company expanded into various sectors. Today, it develops products made from technical spirals and meshes for use in industrial applications. For several years now, GKD has also been applying its materials expertise specifically to the hydrogen economy. In 2022, the company presented its H2 solutions for the first time at a trade fair. 

GKD’s high-precision metal and hybrid fabrics are used throughout the entire hydrogen value chain. The company aims to support plant operators and manufacturers in the efficient design of hydrogen technologies. 

In electrolysers, the products are used as metal meshes and functional materials and are designed to optimise the efficiency of both the oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions. In fuel cells, specialised wire meshes are used as electrode material. They are suitable for various types of fuel cell, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In addition, the company offers, amongst other things, filter solutions for storage, pipeline and refuelling systems. 

Technical meshes from GKD can be used in electrolysers and fuel cells, amongst other applications. (© GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG) 

Bosch: Research leads to a new business segment 

The German technology group Bosch has been conducting research into electrolysis technologies since 2012. What began as a research initiative has since developed into a standalone business segment. In 2022, Bosch entered the field of product development for electrolysis and established a dedicated business division for this purpose. 

The company entered the market with the Hybrion PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolysis stack. The stack has an output of 1.25 MW and can produce up to 23 kilograms of hydrogen per hour. It is manufactured at the Bamberg site. When combined with sensors, a control unit and power electronics, it forms what is known as the Smart Electrolysis Module. Customers for this module include manufacturers of industrial electrolysis plants and service providers in the industrial sector. 

In parallel, Bosch has been engaged in the series production of a fuel cell drive system at its Feuerbach site since 2023. The Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM) is intended for use in commercial vehicles. Several thousand lorries equipped with the FCPM are currently in operation worldwide. 

Bildunterschrift: Bosch has commissioned an electrolyser with Hybrion electrolysis stacks in Bamberg. (© Robert Bosch GmbH) 

Purem: From exhaust systems to hydrogen applications 

Purem is part of the German Eberspächer Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG. The subsidiary operates in the automotive sector as a developer of exhaust gas treatment and acoustic systems. This core business and the associated expertise form the basis for the company’s new activities in the hydrogen sector. 

In 2024, Purem entered into a strategic partnership with the Danish technology company Topsoe. As part of this collaboration, the companies have jointly developed a manufacturing concept for electrolyser pressure vessels that is suitable for high-volume production. The first SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) pressure vessels were unveiled in 2025 at the Neunkirchen production plant. Series production is scheduled to begin in 2026. 

Furthermore, Purem is applying its expertise and technologies to fuel cell systems, resulting in components such as the cathode isolation valve and the gas control valve. These are complemented by the de-hydrator for effective water management in mobile fuel cell systems, as well as the hydrogen recirculation blower, which is designed to minimise hydrogen losses. 

The De-Hydrator, together with the silencer and the water separator, forms a modular exhaust air system. (© Purem by Eberspächer) 

The hydrogen economy at the Hydrogen Technology World Expo 

The Hydrogen Technology World Expo showcases how companies are positioning themselves within the hydrogen economy and thereby expanding their business models. The trade fair will take place in Hamburg from 20 to 22 October 2026 and will bring together not only policy-makers and research institutions but also companies from across the entire hydrogen sector. It provides a central platform for anyone wishing to gain a comprehensive overview of the state of the hydrogen economy and the opportunities for their own company. 

Sources:

Bundesverband Erneuerbare Energie e.V.  

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e.V.  

GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG 

Hydrogen Council 

KfW Research   

McKinsey & Company 

Purem by Eberspächer 

Robert Bosch GmbH