Hydrogen compression as a key technology for sustainable mobility
Steinbeis Europa Zentrum highlights the potential of the technology
Research reflects societal developments. This means it addresses key issues and seeks solutions to current challenges. Communicating research findings makes this work visible beyond the academic sphere and brings it back into society – for example, by influencing political discourse, helping to shape the education of students and skilled workers, or stimulating investment.
This is demonstrated by the COSMHYC project series focusing on hydrogen compression: here, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum’s public relations work has not only increased visibility but also contributed significantly to preparing for the deployment of the technology. By involving technical experts, future end-users, political decision-makers and the general public, trust in new solutions for hydrogen mobility has been systematically built up.
Promoting regional hydrogen mobility through effective communication
Since the launch of the COSMHYC project series in 2017, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum has pursued a coordinated communication strategy together with the coordinator EIFER (European Institute for Energy Research, Karlsruhe) and the project consortium. The aim is to convey scientific and technological progress, demonstrate the performance of the technology and build a community of early adopters.
With the third project, COSMHYC DEMO, public relations entered a practical phase: the construction of a hydrogen refuelling station in Sorigny (France) and on-site demonstrations of the new compression system provided an ideal environment for communication and practical learning. The Communauté de Communes Touraine Vallée de l’Indre (CCTVI), operator of the refuelling station, actively used the facility to promote hydrogen mobility in the region. Activities included visits from local businesses, a documentary film produced by secondary school students, and a four-hour hydrogen training session for students followed by a site visit.
Hy-fcell Award 2025 for EIFHYTEC – innovative and energy-efficient
The project partner EIFHYTEC, an industrial start-up with production facilities in Hagenau (Northern Alsace, France), played a key role in the COSMHYC project. The company is committed to hydrogen as a low-carbon energy carrier, thereby contributing to the development of a high-performance European hydrogen industry. It develops innovative, reliable and energy-efficient hydrogen compressors based on a thermochemical metal hydride process.
These achievements were recognised in October 2025 at the leading hydrogen trade fair in Stuttgart with the hy-fcell Product & Market Award. The award highlights the high market potential of metal hydride compression technology, which is particularly impressive due to its low operating costs, high reliability and the use of waste heat. It is presented annually to innovative companies and projects in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
Even beyond the COSMHYC DEMO project, EIFHYTEC’s innovation is gaining visibility and impact: A thermochemical compressor has been installed at a hydrogen refuelling station operated by ASTER ENERGIES in Strasbourg, supporting regional hydrogen mobility initiatives. Today, EIFHYTEC offers a broad portfolio of thermochemical compressors – ranging from small units for test facilities to large, multi-stage systems with a capacity of over 100 kg/h.
Looking ahead: hydrogen as a fuel
Development is continuing with the EU project HYGHER. Building on the COSMHYC project series, the partners are working to accelerate, optimise and improve the supply chain for hydrogen as a fuel. In collaboration with partners from industry and research, they are demonstrating the reliability and economic viability of hydrogen solutions.
In this project as well, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum supports the coordinator EIFER and the project partners in their communication activities: it provides information on the innovation process, strengthens trust in the technology and ensures targeted communication – ranging from specialist audiences to the general public and younger target groups.
The technology: thermochemical hydrogen compression
The COSMHYC DEMO project has established the world’s first hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) to integrate both a novel two-stage mechanical compressor from Cavendish Hydrogen and an innovative thermochemical metal hydride compressor from EIFHYTEC. All components, as well as the fully integrated system, are CE-certified. Extensive testing – including the assessment of hydrogen purity – confirms full compliance with current European regulations for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
The system is characterised by high reliability, low maintenance requirements, low noise levels and low-vibration operation. A key advantage is the use of waste heat (for example from electrolysers or industrial processes), which significantly increases the efficiency of the hydrogen value chain compared to purely electric compression. The technology is modular and scalable and is suitable for refuelling stations, filling centres, pipeline injection and industrial applications.
The system supplies both the hydrogen refuelling station and a neighbouring filling station. On-site integration took less than a month, highlighting the benefits of the containerised and standardised design, which requires no additional vibration damping and reduces the need for civil engineering works. In the demonstrated configuration, the Class D compressor, compliant with ISO 14687:2025, delivered up to 250 kg of hydrogen per day at 30 to 450 bar. During the demonstration phase, the system achieved an operating time of over 46,000 hours with stable performance.
The COSMHYC project series – from prototype to field testing
Across three consecutive projects – COSMHYC, COSMHYC XL and COSMHYC DEMO – the consortium developed and tested systems ranging from initial prototypes (100 kg H₂/day) to higher-capacity plants. Whilst the first two projects were validated under simulated refuelling station conditions at research and development sites, COSMHYC DEMO demonstrates operation under real-world conditions for the first time. The compression solution developed has been integrated into a hydrogen refuelling station in Sorigny (France). The entire system – including the HRS, compressors and other components – is CE-certified. Operational tests confirm high efficiency, flexibility and significant savings in maintenance and operating costs. This provides an important foundation for the widespread adoption of hydrogen mobility.
The COSMHYC projects were funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under the EU’s Horizon 2020 funding programme and coordinated by EIFER (European Institute for Energy Research, Karlsruhe). The refuelling station was supplied by Cavendish Hydrogen (formerly NEL Hydrogen). Key technological innovations were provided by the French SMEs EIFHYTEC and MAHYTEC. The CCTVI (Communauté de communes Touraine Vallée de l’Indre) acted as host of the demonstration and operator of the refuelling station. Steinbeis Europa Zentrum supported the consortium with communication, dissemination and exploitation activities.
Further information can be found at: www.cosmhyc.eu and www.hygher.eu
Contact
Head of Unit Bioeconomy, Biotech and Alternative Energy Carriers
Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
Steinbeis 2i GmbH (Karlsruhe)
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