Hydrogen technology is considered key to sustainable energy supply. As part of the COMET pilot project “OASES,” a test infrastructure for testing PEM electrolysers that is unique in Europe is currently being built in Graz. HAINZL Industriesysteme GmbH, HyCentA Research GmbH, Robert Bosch AG, and the Institute for Thermodynamics and Sustainable Drive Systems at Graz University of Technology are involved in the project.
Modular electrolysis system from HAINZL
In the MESH2 project, funded by the FFG's basic program, HAINZL is developing a novel modular electrolysis system for the production of green hydrogen in the power range from 0.5 to 10 MW. This system forms the basis for the new pilot plant being built at the HyCentA research site in Graz.
Unique in Europe
The plant is used for research purposes and enables the testing of PEM electrolysis stacks with a capacity of up to 1.5 megawatts – a milestone in the further development of the hydrogen economy that is unique in Europe. A particular advantage is that the hydrogen produced is used directly in the surrounding infrastructure on the Graz University of Technology campus for various research purposes. This allows the costs, efficiency, and ecological impact of research activities in the hydrogen sector to be optimized in a targeted manner.
Partnership-based project management
While HAINZL is responsible for development, production, and construction, HyCentA, Austria's leading H₂ research facility, contributes comprehensive expertise and verifies the concept. With its many years of in-depth 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 ideally suited to meet the project requirements. The first test runs are being carried out with the Bosch electrolyzer 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 optimized.
This close collaboration between the three partners opens up new opportunities to make hydrogen technology more efficient and powerful. The experience of electrolysis stack manufacturer Bosch enables the test bench's functions to be tailored to specific development issues.
Commissioning planned for 2026
The research and development test bench is expected to go into operation in Graz in mid-2026 and will offer stack developers throughout Europe a test infrastructure that is unique to date.
“With this pilot plant, we are breaking new ground together and laying an important foundation for the future hydrogen economy,” agree Alexander Trattner (HyCentA) and Christoph Kappacher (HAINZL).
We are convinced that this project is an important step toward a sustainable energy future – and look forward to further developments!
The COMET Center HyCentA is funded by the federal ministries BMIMI and BMWET as well as the co-financing federal states of Styria, Upper Austria, Vienna, and Tyrol as part of COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies. The COMET program is managed by the FFG.
