Outstanding Position of Northern Germany Interview with Dr. Piero Mancinelli and Dr. Fabrizio Pagnanelli, ContiTech

Dr. Piero Mancinelli, Head of Tech Center Hydrogen Technologies, and Dr. Fabrizio Pagnanelli, Head of Hydrogen Infrastructures Development explain their concept and give an outlook on their future plans.

REH: How is the TechCenter going to work as a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange?

ContiTech: "The emerging hydrogen economy is such a great evolution or respectively revolution in the energy sector, that no company can do it alone. So all players have to work together as a network. Thus, we want to create a situation where we can put our best experts together with other technicians and stakeholders from other industries. That is our scope."

REH: In your press release, you mentioned the aim to bring together experts from different fields and industries. Who is going to able to contribute to the TechCenter both internally and externally?

ContiTech: "We are open in all directions. Important is the reciprocal interest in working together on the hydrogen matter, as we want to have a look on the complete H2 supply chain, like production of hydrogen, handling, storage and utilisation. Especially in the regard of the latter we aim to build a new network of potential stakeholders, like vehicle manufacturers – with a special focus on Off-highway vehicles, trains, vessels. We just met face to face with different companies at the Hydrogen Technology Expo. We approach them or they may also approach us directly."

REH: What kind of equipment/facilities can be used in the TechCenter? What kind of research can be conducted there and who can use it?

ContiTech: "Continental has dozens of labs, which are generally all suitable for hydrogen research. Our job at the TechCenter is the coordination of all the labs in the scope of hydrogen, but we are also looking for upgrading technical facilities with tools to facilitate tests on hydrogen, for example for pressure resistance tests. Therefore, we are investing in additional testing machines. The infrastructure to conduct tests on ammonia is also something we are looking at. Anyway not every testing need to be conducted in house, hence we also work with external partners/facilities."

REH: Have you had any collaborations or new projects since the start of the Tech Center?

ContiTech: "We are already collaborating with the TUHH. One project is already prepared, with financing pending. There is also a larger consortium in the making."

REH: What is your time frame – do you have any milestones for the coming months/years planned?

ContiTech: "By 2024 we aim to complete the staffing of our team. Over all we are looking at 20-25 technicians, but not only in Hamburg. The main team will be located there though. In regard of concrete outcome, we want to launch our first product connected to the transportation of ammonia till 2024 and our first product for hydrogen dispensing by 2025."

REH: Can you say something about the decision making within Continental to choose Hamburg as location for the TechCenter? What were the key arguments?

ContiTech: "If we are looking at the geographic and geopolitical history of hydrogen, Northern Germany stands out, together with the Netherlands and Scandinavia. That is the reason for our clear focus here, since there are already tangible projects for investment and progressed planning. We also appreciate the support of scientific institutions. Moreover, there are many business areas within the location which are committed to hydrogen projects. And last but not least, our own Technology Campus is already established at our own site."

Thank you very much!