MAN Mulls Liquid Hydrogen Storage

German-based power generator MAN Energy Solutions is joining a partnership aimed at expanding hydrogen storage systems based on the Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology.

MAN has signed on to a cooperative agreement with Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies and Frames Group B.V. Together they will design and build large-scale hydrogen storage systems.

Developed by Hydrogenious the LOHC technology uses heat transfer oil as a carrier for hydrogen, thus allowing it to be stored under ambient conditions. The process also triples the amount of hydrogen that can be transported compared to standard pressurized containers. The LOHC technology offers a safe and efficient solution for storing and distributing hydrogen on a large scale

The new partners are ready to meet the needs for the future hydrogen market in respect to bulk hydrogen storage and transportation. As a first step, the companies have developed systems with hydrogen capacities of 5 and 12 tons per day. Such large hydrogen processing capacities will be crucial for the decarbonisation of Europe's energy needs.

“We strongly believe that the global goal to build a climate neutral economy largely depends on the future use of green hydrogen and other gases produced from renewable energy”, says Dr. Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions.

“Hydrogen will play a crucial role in the decarbonisation of those sectors that cannot be electrified directly. The LOHC technology is a game changing and powerful innovation by a great company and this partnership is an important step to further build our profile with regards to a future hydrogen economy,” Lauber added.

Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies is specialized in the development of the LOHC technology and thus contributes its core process know-how to the cooperation.

Frames Group B.V. designs and builds solutions for renewable energy and oil and gas processing equipment, and will be responsible for the overall realization of the hydrogenation plant.

MAN ES completes the consortium with its experience in design and fabrication of reactor systems for chemical and petrochemical applications. The company will deliver the reactor and related steam generator equipment to the projects.