DEKRA to work on hydrogen economy
For DEKRA one particular area of interest will be the creation of a hydrogen economy.
“If we want to accelerate the transition towards a hydrogen-based future, we will need to step up investments in hydrogen infrastructure and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to assure safe adoption of the technology,” explains Stan Zurkiewicz, DEKRA CEO and Chairman. “Then green hydrogen will be able to play a key role in combating climate change thanks to its wide range of potential applications.” The DEKRA CEO is also aiming to realize the digital transformation of DEKRA’s service portfolio, all while ensuring customers’ needs are placed front and center. This is how the expert organization will become the global partner for a safe, secure, and sustainable world.
DEKRA is continuing to expand the range of services it offers, focusing on the issues of energy transition, the circular economy and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). For example, this year test, certification, inspection, expert, and training services have been developed and refined for the energy transition technologies, in particular for hydrogen, photovoltaics, wind power and batteries. Alongside this, DEKRA is developing services which will help firms, financial service providers, and investors to check the implementation and review of sustainability strategies. “By doing this we will provide more clarity, transparency and trust amongst the market participants”, reported Zurkiewicz.
According to market studies, investments in green hydrogen technologies and projects will amount to an estimated 150 billion euros by 2030 – i.e. production, application technologies, components and infrastructure. It is estimated that the market for the TIC industry (Testing, Inspection, Certification) will be worth around one billion euros by 2030. For example, DEKRA is already working on upcoming test standards for high-pressure gas pipelines and has already qualified some pipelines for hydrogen in Germany. DEKRA is also able to approve H2 filling stations according to “HRS Conformity”
When it comes to hydrogen, car manufacturers and suppliers also rely on the DEKRA Technology Center. In their powertrain and exhaust emissions laboratory, for example, before the launch of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen demonstration fleet, the Center independently tested the manufacturer’s specifications relating to the vehicle’s consumption figures. This is an important step to gaining regulatory approval for the small series.
As part of its innovation partnership with the start-up Hylane, DEKRA is supporting the first commercially operated rental fleet of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles in Germany. The fleet will initially consist of 44 trucks from different manufacturers which will be rented out to customers throughout Germany. “With our expertise, we will help ensure that the partners involved continue to make progress on their journey to sustainable mobility,” said Stan Zurkiewicz.
