HENSOLDT is making significant strides in the field of hydrogen technology with the establishment of a pilot plant at its site in Kiel.

This innovative project aims to achieve energy independence for the entire industrial site while showcasing HENSOLDT’s expertise in hydrogen production and storage. The initiative not only serves the company’s sustainability goals but also highlights the potential of autonomous energy supply for military installations.

The pilot plant incorporates cutting-edge modules for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, creating a comprehensive H2 value chain. Two solutions developed by HENSOLDT’s French subsidiary, HENSOLDT Nexeya France, play a central role in the facility: the H2 Grid and the Hydrogen High-Density Storage (H2DS). At the Kiel site, these technologies are utilized to store energy generated from photovoltaic systems. In its initial stage, the site is expected to achieve 60% energy autonomy and reduce annual CO2 emissions by up to 33 tonnes. The electrolysis capacity allows for daily hydrogen production of 2.6 to 3.3 kg, while the total storage capacity reaches 190 kg of H2. The project represents an investment of 1.2 million euros.

Dr. Lars Immisch, Chief Human Resources Officer at HENSOLDT, emphasizes the company’s commitment to the energy transition in the defense sector. He highlights the significance of the hydrogen solution, which not only ensures energy autonomy and resilience but also contributes to a neutral CO2 footprint. The pilot project in Kiel serves as a demonstration of how companies can achieve climate protection goals and increase energy self-sufficiency through the integration of renewable energies and hydrogen.

In addition to storage capabilities, the HENSOLDT Hydrogen High-Density Storage (H2DS) offers a means of transporting centrally produced green hydrogen in standard 20-foot containers. Approved for both maritime and land-based applications, these containers provide greater flexibility to hydrogen-powered ships, reducing their dependence on filling stations and enabling optimized route planning. Furthermore, the containers facilitate the transportation of hydrogen to fuel cells in remote locations.

The HENSOLDT H2-Grid, on the other hand, represents a scalable container solution for local energy generation in civil and military applications. This system enhances energy autonomy and sovereignty by utilizing renewable energy sources and integrating an Energy Smart Management System. Through optimized utilization and automated processes, the H2-Grid harnesses the full potential of the hydrogen value chain, including production, conditioning, storage, and power delivery, in conjunction with battery storage.

The potential of hydrogen technologies in the defense sector is vast, and HENSOLDT is actively contributing to research in this field. The company is currently leading the hydrogen activities within the ongoing energy study of the European Defence Fund through the INDY project (energy independent and efficient Deployable militarY camps). This initiative aims to establish sustainable military camps capable of independent hydrogen production, storage, and conversion into electricity or propulsion for platforms. HENSOLDT’s acquisition of French hydrogen pressure vessel supplier Mahytec in 2021 further strengthens its expertise in storage systems.