Bosch has added components for hydrogen tank systems, such as tank valves and pressure regulators, to its product portfolio for mobile hydrogen applications. For this, Bosch formed an engineering partnership with OMB Saleri, an Italian specialist, in which the products are jointly developed.
According to Bosch, around one out of every eight newly registered commercial vehicles in the world will be powered by a fuel cell by 2030. Bosch and OMB Saleri are hoping that their new partnership for components for hydrogen refueling systems will help them grow their market share in the hydrogen sector.
A licensing and engineering agreement for several products relating to hydrogen storage solutions at pressures of 350 bar and 700 bar is part of their collaboration. The existing products are now being further developed and optimized for volume production by joint simultaneous engineering teams. The goal of the two companies is to take advantage of economies of scale and provide components for hydrogen refueling solutions at affordable prices.
OMB Saleri, based in Brescia, northern Italy, is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts in hydrogen storage components. Bosch will benefit from its engineering expertise, a modern hydrogen test infrastructure and testing stations, and components that have already demonstrated their worth in early applications as a partner. In exchange, Bosch will offer its expertise in the commercialization of innovative products as well as a global development and manufacturing network capable of producing large quantities.
In the hydrogen field, Bosch is making significant upfront investments. Between 2021 and 2024, the company intends to invest around €600 million in mobile fuel-cell applications and another €400 million in stationary fuel-cell applications for electricity and heat generation. Individual sensors, core components such as the electric air compressor and stack, and the complete fuel-cell module are all part of the vehicle portfolio.
