26.03.2025

Press release

Industry 4.0

Hannover Messe 2025: Bosch embraces hydrogen production

Stuttgart and Hannover, Germany – Whether in the chemicals, transportation, steel, or energy industries, there is enormous potential for decarbonization if hydrogen is used as an energy source – especially if it is produced using renewables. With an expected global capacity of 100–170 gigawatts by 2030, electrolysis is a strategic growth field for Bosch, despite the slowdown in the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. To mark its entry into this market, the company is showcasing technology for electrolyzers at Hannover Messe. Bosch is premiering two Hybrion PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolysis stacks as a modular container solution integrated into an electrolysis system. Such stacks are at the heart of the electrolyzer. The complete system, with an output of 2.5 megawatts, is supplied by FEST, based in Goslar, Germany. “To counter climate change, we need alternatives to fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, produced with renewable energy, will play a vital role in massively reducing carbon emissions in the industrial, transport, and energy sectors. Producing this hydrogen requires electrolysis systems – and Bosch’s Hybrion stack is the key component for them,” says Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. To counter climate change, we need alternatives to fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, produced with renewable energy, will play a vital role in massively reducing carbon emissions in the industrial, transport, and energy sectors. Producing this hydrogen requires electrolysis systems – and Bosch’s Hybrion stack is the key component for them....Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH Bosch aims to apply its fuel-cell expertise to hydrogen production. The company wants to use its experience in volume production to achieve economies of scale and reduce costs in the future. In 2025, it is planning to work on several projects in Europe with various partners. Even before the official sales launch in April, Bosch has already acquired orders amounting to some 100 megawatts – for example, Neuman & Esser will be integrating 16 Bosch Hybrion stacks into an electrolyzer with a capacity of 20 megawatts. Bosch is also working with companies including AKA Energy Systems, Andritz, Pietro Fiorentini, Hyter, H2B2, iGas, IMI, Nikkiso, and Técnicas Reunidas. “Hydrogen is a strategic growth field for Bosch – we expect sales revenue to run into the billions by 2030,” says Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the board of management and chairman of Bosch Mobility. Hydrogen is a strategic growth field for Bosch – we expect sales revenue to run into the billions by 2030....Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the board of management and chairman of Bosch Mobility Stack production and hydrogen cycle in Bamberg The Hybrion stacks will initially be manufactured at the Bosch location in Bamberg, Germany. For each unit, over one hundred electrolysis cells are arranged in layers. For this, Bosch has developed a special clamping tool that greatly simplifies and accelerates the manufacturing process. Each stack can produce up to 23 kilograms of hydrogen per hour when supplied with a maximum power input of 1.25 megawatts. This is enough for a 40-ton truck with a fuel-cell powertrain to travel around 250 to 300 kilometers. In the individual electrolysis cells, a proton exchange membrane – made using a special polymer – separates the anode and cathode from each other. To produce hydrogen, ultrapure water is first fed into the anode side of the PEM electrolyzer. As a result of electrical voltage at the two electrodes, the water at the anode reacts to form oxygen and free electrons and protons. The protons cross the membrane and combine with the electrons to form hydrogen gas at the cathode. Bosch’s Hybrion PEM electrolysis stacks are suitable for hydrogen production in modular plants starting from 1 megawatt, but also for large, gigawatt-scale industrial plants. A FEST electrolyzer with integrated Bosch PEM electrolysis stacks is set to go into operation at the Bamberg plant as part of a hydrogen cycle in 2025. Bosch intends to use the hydrogen produced there for the endurance testing of mobile fuel-cell stacks, which are also manufactured in Bamberg. The power generated during that testing will in turn flow into the electrolyzer, thus closing the cycle. The hydrogen itself is initially intended for the company’s own use. Bosch offers a broad portfolio of products and solutions for hydrogen Bosch has an exhaustive hydrogen portfolio. “In developing hydrogen technologies, Bosch also relies on its proven expertise in industrial technology. We offer solutions from industry for industry,” says Dr. Tanja Rueckert, member of the Bosch board of management. Bosch Manufacturing Solutions, for example, offers water treatment systems that can be used to produce the ultrapure water required for electrolysis. These systems use thermal and electrochemical processes to remove impurities such as salts or metals from the water. Bosch is also actively using hydrogen in mobile fuel cells and hydrogen engines. Together with FirstElement Fuel, the U.S. market leader for the commercial operation of liquid hydrogen filling stations, Bosch Rexroth has achieved an important technology milestone for refueling infrastructure. CryoPump stations cut operating costs by up to 70 percent, bringing them down to an economical level, while shortening refueling processes for heavy trucks to around ten minutes.

19.03.2025

Press release

Business/economy

Hannover Messe 2025: Bosch offers intelligent and efficient solutions for industry

Stuttgart and Hannover, Germany – At Hannover Messe, Bosch presents solutions for industry – from hydraulics and electrolysis to software . In each case, the focus is always on improving the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing and enabling sustainable production. There is a significant role for hydrogen in making production sustainable – and in Hall 13, Booth C33, Bosch will be showcasing technologies for producing and using this resource. Bosch Rexroth will also be presenting its broad portfolio of industrial technology in Hall 6, Booth D26. In addition, Bosch experts will be sharing their thoughts with industry through presentations and panel discussions .Bosch technical highlights make industry fit for the future Hydraulic Hub: With its comprehensive range of digital services, the Hydraulic Hub simplifies and accelerates the servicing and maintenance of industrial hydraulic products, thereby increasing machine availability. Users of this digital service platform can access Bosch Rexroth’s hydraulics and service expertise 24/7 via its intuitive interface. The Hydraulic Hub also offers support with documentation and with proactive maintenance of hydraulic systems. AI-based tools provide answers to specific questions, such as what to do in the event of an oil leak, and help identify and rectify faults. Bosch Rexroth is working with Amazon Web Services, among others, to apply AI technologies. Electrolysis stack: Hydrogen production by way of electrolysis using renewable electricity has a central role to play on the path to a climate-neutral economy. In 2025, Bosch will launch its first electrolysis stack, the heart of every electrolyzer. The Bosch stack comprises more than 100 electrolysis cells that employ electricity to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. It is designed for an output of 1.25 megawatts, which corresponds to a hydrogen production rate of 23 kilograms per hour. On the hydrogen side, the resulting pressure is more than 30 bar. The stack is suitable for use in modular systems from 1 megawatt upward as well as in large gigawatt-class industrial systems. Water treatment system: The Pure Water System offered by Bosch Manufacturing Solutions (BMG) is a container system for the production of ultrapure water for electrolysis. Impurities in the water can render electrolyzers inoperative in a very short time. BMG’s water treatment system uses thermal and electrochemical processes to remove impurities such as salts or metals, thereby producing ultrapure water. The first step uses an energy-efficient and water-saving distillation technology called mechanical vapor compression. This is followed by electrodeionization (EDI), in which an electric field removes the remaining ions from the distillate. The Pure Water System requires no filter media or chemicals at all to treat salty water. The system’s product water meets the strict purity requirements of all electrolyzer technologies. Electrolyzer stack testing system: Bosch Manufacturing Solutions (BMG) offers an innovative system for the safe and efficient end-of-line testing of PEM electrolysis stacks up to a size of 1 megawatt. Automated contacting of the electrolyzers at the anode, cathode, and power supply increases precision and reduces the time required for testing. The software’s test procedures can be flexibly adapted to the specific requirements of different tests. Moreover, its customizable data evaluations enable a detailed analysis of the test results, which supports quality assurance in stack production. BMG also offers a modular, customizable electrolysis system for efficient hydrogen production, as well as a broad portfolio of assembly and testing systems for the development, manufacture, and quality assurance of fuel cells and fuel-cell power modules (FCPM). CryoPump station: Bosch Rexroth has worked together with FirstElement Fuel, the U.S. market leader for the commercial operation of liquid hydrogen filling stations, to develop an important technology milestone for refueling infrastructure. CryoPump stations cut operating costs by up to 70 percent, bringing them down to an economical level, while shortening refueling processes for heavy trucks to around ten minutes. Compared to conventional crankshaft-based pumps, the technology increases efficiency to over 95 percent and extends maintenance intervals to over 4,000 hours. With a footprint of less than 11 m² and a noise level of less than 65 dB(A), the stations are ideal for use in existing filling stations, even in residential areas. Battery production solutions: Battery production is considered a key technology for the energy transition. The only way manufacturers can hope to meet heavy future demand is by rapidly scaling up their battery production capacity. At Hannover Messe, Bosch Rexroth will be demonstrating how to realize complex value streams and extremely dynamic material movements using real material flow solutions along the entire value stream: from the virtual warehouse and cell preparation through module and pack assembly to transport and end-of-line testing. Compact gas compressor: Efficient and cost-effective hydrogen compression and storage is a key issue in the energy transition. Based on a proven automotive application, Bosch has developed a gas compressor that can compress over 11 standard cubic meters of hydrogen per hour to as much as 350 bar. This corresponds to more than one kilogram of hydrogen. The compressor’s compact dimensions and extremely low weight of less than ten kilograms make installation and maintenance considerably easier. In addition to hydrogen, the compressor is also suitable for other gases such as nitrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide, which greatly expands its range of application. HeyBosch: Bosch and Microsoft have expanded their partnership to introduce HeyBosch, an advanced AI platform based on Microsoft Azure. HeyBosch improves data management for industrial companies by providing insights into data and knowledge, making complex engineering data easy to understand, and using generative AI to enable user training. The platform integrates conversational AI, VR/AR functions, and business intelligence tools to offer a consistent and user-friendly experience.

02.07.2024

Press release

Electrified mobility

The journey to a more sustainable future

Stuttgart/Reutlingen – The eBike is an important building block for the mobility revolution. It helps to reduce traffic and its impact on the environment, takes up little space and does not cause noise or local emissions 1 . Compared to cars, eBikes are not only cheaper, but also more environmentally friendly, space-saving and often faster in city traffic. They offer an important alternative to the car, especially for short distances of up to around 5 to 10 kilometers 2 . In an international study conducted by Bosch eBike Systems this year, 49 percent of eBike users surveyed stated that half of the journeys they used to make by car are now made by eBike 3 . This active form of mobility not only helps to reduce CO₂ emissions in cities, but also benefits each and every individual: Travelling by bike or eBike is good for your health and is also fun!As an evaluation by the Federal Environment Agency shows, the eBike is one of the lowest-emission means of transport. When using an eBike, the electricity consumption results in average CO₂ emissions of 3 g CO₂/person-kilometer (pkm), depending on the electricity mix. In comparison, a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine emits about 166 g CO₂/pkm, while public transport emits between 58 and 93 g CO₂/pkm 4 . eBikers using the smart system from Bosch can now view their CO₂ savings compared to a car after every ride via the activity tracking function of the eBike Flow app 5 . "Bosch eBike systems are already driving a society in which people are travelling more sustainably. With our products and solutions, we make a contribution to future-proof mobility. It is also important to us to continue to improve our eBike systems in terms of sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle," explains Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems. "Because sustainability is not an additional task, but an integral part of our corporate culture." From vision to realisation: Bosch eBike Systems focuses on three pillars of sustainability Bosch eBike Systems has defined three pillars of sustainability and firmly anchored them in its strategy: The "Carbon footprint" pillar aims to measure, identify and reduce CO₂ emissions at company, product and material level. The "Responsibility in the supply chain" pillar defines measures to ensure that all materials and primary products are selected sustainably and responsibly and that social standards are adhered to. The "Circular economy" pillar is concerned with the goal of extending the service life of products, i.e. reusing raw materials and further increasing recycling efficiency, for example. For Bosch eBike Systems, the pillars are strategic guard rails that contribute to a common goal: to make eBike systems even more future-proof. To achieve this goal, the company derives specific measures that are implemented both internally and externally in collaboration with partners and suppliers. CO₂ analysis focusing on savings potential To intensify efforts to reduce emissions, Bosch eBike Systems, together with TÜV Rheinland, conducted a holistic analysis of the eBike's carbon footprint in 2022 and refined and updated it in 2024. Using the results of the analysis, the company has calculated the carbon footprint for each product in its portfolio. The aim of the analysis was to identify and evaluate the greatest CO₂ savings potential that can be found both in the system components and in the entire supply chain. Around 79 percent of an eBike's CO2 emissions are caused by the materials used and in production, and 13 percent through use. The remaining eight percent is accounted for by transport, packaging and recycling. Overall, an eBike has an average carbon footprint of 263 kg of CO₂ equivalents over its entire life cycle. If the eBike components are considered individually with approximately 84 kg of CO₂ equivalents, approx. 50 percent of the emissions are attributable to the battery, 48 percent to the drive unit and 2 percent to the display. If you ride around 515 kilometers on an eBike instead of using a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, the Bosch eBike system will have already paid for itself in terms of CO₂ consumption. The CO₂ savings potential identified in the display are the electronic components (53 percent) and the screen (41 percent). In the drive unit, the housing accounts for the largest share of CO₂ at 55 percent, followed by the electronic components at 17 percent. In the battery, the greatest savings potential comes from the cells, which account for 73 percent of the CO₂ emissions, followed by the housing at 12 percent and the cell holder at four percent. Reducing emissions along the entire supply chain In the purchasing process, the carbon footprint is an important decision-making criterion when it comes to supplier selection, alongside other sustainability criteria. For this purpose, the CO₂ emissions of the materials used and purchased parts are requested from suppliers. Claus Fleischer emphasises: "The joint analysis with TÜV Rheinland has shown us which areas we can and will prioritise to further reduce the carbon footprint of our eBike systems. Our measures focus on optimising materials and reducing emissions in production and the supply chain. Together with our partners and suppliers, we are making enormous efforts here, which are gradually paying off." In the production of the new Bosch CompactTube 400, for example, the company uses alternative materials for the cell holders, which make up the largest plastic parts within the PowerTubes, in order to reduce the carbon footprint. For this purpose, a plastic is used whose emission factor is 64 percent lower than that of the plastic previously used. This material change will in future become the standard for all Bosch eBike Systems batteries integrated within the frame. Beyond material and product level, Bosch eBike Systems also focuses on the corporate carbon footprint of its direct suppliers and makes this an important decision-making criterion in the purchasing process. By participating in the global system for the disclosure of environmental data provided by the non-profit organisation CDP, the company can record and assess the efforts of its direct suppliers to take climate protection measures. The aim is to make climate protection the standard: Suppliers that have a low CDP ranking and do not commit to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement through an SBTi voluntary commitment 6 will be given a lower rating in the purchasing process. Suppliers that disclose via the CDP currently account for 97 percent of the purchasing volume of Bosch eBike Systems – this figure is set to rise to 100 percent by 2025. An important factor for reducing CO₂ is the use of green electricity. Bosch eBike Systems expects its suppliers to switch their production to electricity from renewable sources in order to reduce their emissions. Responsibility and transparency as selection criteria in the purchasing process Bosch eBike Systems places great value on the transparency and traceability of its supply chain, particularly with regard to batteries. In doing so, Bosch eBike Systems goes beyond the legal obligations stipulated by the Supply Chain Act and not only checks and qualifies its direct suppliers, but also endeavours to understand the entire supply chain in order to avoid potential risks in the procurement of raw materials. This applies in particular to the raw materials in the battery cells, which are comprehensively traced back to the mines. This approach will also be extended to the drive unit and displays in the future. With regard to environmental protection, Bosch eBike Systems expects its suppliers to set up and develop an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001. As of this year, 100 percent of our direct suppliers have appropriate certification. Circular economy: Remanufacturing & recycling at the end of the product life cycle For Bosch eBike Systems, the high quality, safety and long service life of its products are paramount. The useful life of an eBike and the number of journeys with other modes of transport it replaces make a significant contribution to reducing the impact on the environment. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that the products will reach the end of their lifetime at some point. This is where the circular strategy comes in, with which Bosch eBike Systems aims to improve the sustainability of products throughout their entire life cycle. This includes the procurement, production, utilisation, return, reprocessing and recycling of materials. Since 2014, Bosch eBike Systems has been investing specifically in the recycling of its drive units through remanufacturing. Defective Bosch eBike drive units that qualify after testing are subjected to a detailed reconditioning process. They undergo a complete technical overhaul and are made available to dealers with full functionality after a final test. "With our commitment to remanufacturing, we are sending a clear signal of our commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable mobility – and have been doing so for over 10 years now," says Claus Fleischer. Further drive units will be added to the remanufacturing portfolio this year. To be able to reuse valuable raw materials at the end of their lifetime, batteries need to be recycled properly. Bosch eBike Systems supports new and sustainable recycling methods worldwide. The efficiency of recovery depends on the recycling process. In the processes used by the German GRS industry solution, almost 71 percent of many valuable raw materials can be recovered 7 and can be reused for new products. In future, Bosch eBike Systems will increasingly focus on the use of recyclates in its circular economy. In all sales countries where it is legally possible, Bosch eBike Systems voluntarily assumes responsibility for recycling obligations and the associated costs through local service partners. In countries where recycling solutions are not yet available or existing recycling solutions are inadequate, Bosch eBike Systems works closely with its partners, promotes pilot projects and supports the development of industry solutions. The company currently supports battery collection systems in 18 countries, including the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom as of this year. Moving forward together Through its measures, Bosch eBike Systems contributes to the overarching sustainability goals of the Bosch Group. With more than 400 locations worldwide, the Bosch Group has been carbon-neutral overall since 2020 (Scope 1 & 2) 8 . At the same time, the company intends to shape climate protection beyond its direct sphere of influence and also systematically reduce upstream and downstream emissions – the aim is to reduce emissions by 15 percent by 2030 (Scope 3). "We are aware that we still face a number of challenges on our path to a sustainable future. Responsible and sustainable behaviour is very important to us as a company and is already daily practice in many areas at Bosch eBike Systems. Both small and large improvements have already had a positive impact – and we want to achieve more and more of these in the future," says Claus Fleischer.Sources 1 World Health Organization (2022): "Walking and cycling: latest evidence to support policy-making and practice", p. 1, https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1426622/retrieve (retrieved on 30 May 2024). 2 Federal Environment Agency (2023): "Welche Umwelttipps Sie bei Elektrofahrrädern beachten sollten" (Environmental tips to consider when using electric bikes), https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/umwelttipps-fuer-den-alltag/mobilitaet-reisen/e-bike-pedelec#gewusst-wie (retrieved on 30 April 2024). 3 Bosch eBike Systems, n= 4,200, countries: Denmark, Netherlands, USA, UK, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, field time: 30 November 2023 – 29 December 2023 4 Federal Environment Agency (2022): "Vergleich der durchschnittlichen Emissionen einzelner Verkehrsmittel des Linien- und Individualverkehrs im Personenverkehr in Deutschland 2022" (Comparison of the average emissions of individual means of regular and private passenger transport in Germany in 2022), https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/bild/vergleich-der-durchschnittlichen-emissionen-0 (retrieved on 30 April 2024) 5 The emissions saved relate to the use phase. The calculation is based on the Federal Environment Agency's assumption (2022): Car = 166 g CO₂/pkm, eBike = 3 g CO₂/pkm 6 The SBTi voluntary commitment allows companies to set science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through this voluntary commitment, companies demonstrate their willingness to actively contribute to climate protection and align their business practices with the goals of the Paris Agreement. 7 Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Servicegesellschaft mbH (2023): "Nachhaltigkeit durch Rücknahme von Altbatterien aus E-Bikes und anderen elektrischen Kleinfahrzeugen steigern" (Increasing sustainability by taking back used batteries from eBikes and other small electric vehicles), presented at Eurobike 2023 8 Since 2020, the Bosch Group with its more than 400 locations worldwide has been carbon-neutral overall (Scope 1 & 2 according to Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard ). Bosch uses four levers to achieve this: increasing energy efficiency, generating its own energy from renewable sources, purchasing green electricity and offsetting remaining CO₂ emissions with carbon credits. Further information on the Bosch Group's sustainability strategy can be found at nachhaltigkeit.bosch.com

22.04.2024

Press release

Business/economy

Hannover Messe 2024: Bosch presents sustainable solutions for factory automation ...

Stuttgart and Hannover, Germany – Industrial manufacturing is the engine of every economy. It creates jobs, secures prosperity, and ensures growth through trade. When industrial manufacturers come together again for this year’s Hannover Messe, there will be one major challenge that all of them continue to face: to respond to climate change, factories must become sustainable and conserve resources. Bosch is one of the leading factory outfitters; its broad portfolio of solutions for factory automation, the hydrogen economy, digitalization, and artificial intelligence (AI) helps industrial companies achieve a green transformation.Bosch industrial technology is in demand: in 2023, the supplier of technology and services was able to hold its own in a volatile market environment characterized by geopolitical tensions, the economic downturn, and interest-rate effects. Its sales of industrial technology rose to 7.4 billion euros. This equates to an increase of 6.8 percent, or 10.2 percent after adjusting for exchange-rate effects. The main drivers of this growth were Bosch’s acquisitions of HydraForce and Elmo Motion Control. “We are pursuing a long-term growth strategy with industrial technology,” says Tanja Rueckert, the member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH responsible for the Industrial Technology business sector as well as the area of digital business and services. “We want to strengthen our market position, expand regional supply chains, and increase our industrial technology sales to 10 billion euros by 2028.” We want to strengthen our market position, expand regional supply chains, and increase our industrial technology sales to 10 billion euros by 2028....Tanja Rueckert, the member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH At Hannover Messe 2024, Bosch will be presenting technologies and solutions in the fields of automation, digitalization, and hydrogen. “As an early adopter of artificial intelligence and digitalization applications, industrial technology is like almost no other sector,” Rueckert says. “Software and connectivity help increase efficiency, quality, and sustainability in production. The only way we can secure our standard of living and prosperity is with a strong industrial sector.” Generative AI: improve processes, increase quality In manufacturing, Bosch wants to use generative AI to further improve production management, monitoring, and control. In two Bosch plants in Germany, the company has launched initial projects through which generative AI creates synthetic images in order to develop and scale AI solutions for optical inspection and to optimize existing AI models. Bosch expects that this will reduce the time needed for planning, launching, and ramping up AI applications from the current six-to-twelve months to just a few weeks. Developed by Bosch researchers, this service for generating synthetic data is to be offered to all Bosch locations following successful piloting. ctrlX AUTOMATION: automation toolkit The ctrlX AUTOMATION system for factory automation developed by Bosch Rexroth comprises hardware, software, and apps. It is an open platform that provides all the building blocks for complete automation solutions, and reduces component and engineering costs by 30 to 50 percent. The platform’s community of partners, known collectively as ctrlX World, is continuously expanding the range of solutions with hardware, and above all with apps. So far, 100 partners have contributed their strengths and solutions. Since its launch five years ago, the number of customers has risen to around 1,500. Sales in this area increased 30 percent in 2023. Battery production: components for automated equipment Whether in electromobility, consumer electronics, or building technology, the demand for energy storage is greater than ever. Bosch Rexroth offers a comprehensive portfolio for battery production that includes individual components, systems solutions, and subsystems featuring linear, joining, and transfer technology in addition to the fully open ctrlX AUTOMATION system. Speed and precision are also important in battery production. Bosch Rexroth has developed linear robots that can be used quickly for typical applications such as handling cells and packs as well as joining and dispensing. These robots optimize processes in module and pack assembly and disassembly. Battery recycling: automation solution for deep discharge of batteries There are more and more electric cars driving quietly and with low emissions on the roads. Their batteries contain rare and valuable raw materials such as lithium and nickel, the recovery of which makes economic and ecological sense. Bosch Rexroth’s toolkit solution for diagnosing, discharging, and dismantling used vehicle batteries enables the automation of these process steps, which are upstream of the actual process of recovering the raw materials. This makes it possible to recycle batteries on an industrial scale and offers the possibility of flexible scaling. Stack and smart electrolysis module: technology for H2 electrolyzers Bosch not only plans to use hydrogen, but also to provide smart technology for its production. For this purpose, the company has developed an electrolysis stack, the central element of an electrolyzer. The stack comprises more than 100 electrolysis cells that use electricity to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. It is designed for an output of 1.25 megawatts. That is equivalent to the production of 23 kilograms of hydrogen per hour. The Bosch electrolysis stack is suitable for use in smaller-scale plants producing 1 megawatt and more, all the way up to large, gigawatt-scale plants. It is expected to be market-ready from 2025. In addition, Bosch is planning to combine its electrolyzer stack with a control unit, power electronics, and various sensors to create a smart electrolysis module. Manufacturing and testing technology: how fuel cells are made Bosch Manufacturing Solutions (BMG), the company’s special-purpose machinery unit, supplies advanced manufacturing equipment and testing technology for fuel-cell manufacturing – from individual components to complete systems. In total, more than 50 percent of the required manufacturing equipment comes from Bosch itself. When testing stacks and systems, natural conditions are simulated for the end-of-line functional test, where the PEM fuel cells are put through their paces. Here, gas composition, temperature, pressure, and humidity are the same as in the actual vehicle. The test benches work efficiently: 50 percent of the hydrogen used is recovered for new testing processes. A test bench for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis stacks will be presented for the first time at Hannover Messe. This type of test bench can be upgraded for development as well as for end-of-line functional testing, and is available in size classes between 50 kW and 3 MW. eSEA underwater actuator: electrification of offshore facilities In the future, hydrogen will often be produced in remote areas – in the desert or at sea – and thus far away from where it will later be used. To make it economical to operate the offshore facilities required for green hydrogen and the capture and storage of CO2, their plant technology needs to be significantly cheaper to purchase and operate than it has been to date. Bosch Rexroth has developed an electrical solution for controlling valves in underwater process plants at depths of up to 4,000 meters. Since this solution no longer feature valves operated via hydraulically driven actuators, it eliminates the need for miles of hydraulic lines to connect to hydraulic power units above water. Hydrogen filling stations: drive solutions for compressing hydrogen Hydrogen filling stations play a major role in decarbonizing the mobility sector. Within the next six years, several thousand hydrogen filling stations are set to go into operation worldwide. Together with partners, Bosch Rexroth has developed scalable solutions for servo-hydraulic compressor drives in the power range between 10 and 280 kW for the compression of hydrogen. To be able to refuel vehicles with hydrogen fuel quickly and simply, the gas has to be compressed to as much as 900 bar. A new electrohydraulically driven cryogenic pump has been developed in partnership with FirstElement Fuel, a leading company in the U.S. for the commercial operation of hydrogen filling stations. This cryogenic pump compresses liquid hydrogen directly to 875 bar. The aim is to refuel heavy trucks with 100 kg of hydrogen in under ten minutes. Direct refueling eliminates the need for intermediate storage tanks at filling stations. The first filling stations are set to be equipped starting in 2025. Moreover, Bosch Rexroth has worked with Maximator Hydrogen to develop scalable, low-maintenance drive units, with ratings currently up to 250 kW, that offer filling station operators an affordable way into hydrogen technology. The new container-based compressors can potentially reduce total cost of ownership by half compared with the commercially available alternatives. The Swiss Coop Group already uses hydrogen trucks for its goods transportation. They refuel at five filling stations equipped with Maximator and Bosch Rexroth technology. Bosch at Hannover Messe Bosch Rexroth – Hall 6, Booth D26 Bosch Connected Industries – Hall 9, Booth F27 Bosch Manufacturing Solutions – Hall 13, Booth C33 Selected panels with Bosch experts • Research Summit – Panel discussion with Dr. Tanja Rueckert, member of the board of management and chief digital officer, Robert Bosch GmbH, Monday, April 22, 2024, 2:30–3:15 p.m., Convention Center (CC), Room 1 • Panel discussion “The future of SMEs: Organizing sustainability & establishing digital business models” with Lisa Reehten, managing director, Bosch Climate Solutions, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 5:15–5:35 p.m., Hall 8, Booth D17 • Panel discussion “AI meets automation” with Hans Michael Krause, director ctrlX World, Bosch Rexroth AG, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 1:30–2:00 p.m. in Hall 3, Booth A76 • Lecture “Digital twins: What nobody is talking about” with Dr. Birgit Boss, Bosch Connected Industry, Thursday, April 25, 2024, 3:00–3:25 p.m., Industry 4.0 Conference Stage, Hall 8, Booth D17 • Panel discussion “The role of 6G in shaping the next industrial era” with Andreas Müller, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 2:45–3:30 p.m., Hall 14, Booth H06

14.09.2023

Press release

Sustainability

Bosch closes the circle: almost all the platinum in fuel-cell stacks can be reco ...

Stuttgart, Germany – The Bosch fuel-cell power module is in volume production. And with that, the technology company’s recycling plan is getting underway. Fuel cells contain what are known as platinum group metals 1 (PGMs) – and circular economy models are a particularly worthwhile way to recover these valuable raw materials. For example, almost all the platinum in fuel-cell stacks – at least 95 percent – can be recovered. That is why Bosch aims to repurchase stacks when their useful life expires. “By recycling, we can make the stacks more economical and at the same time reduce the carbon emissions associated with platinum mining,” says Thomas Pauer, the president of the Bosch Powertrain Solutions division. “We’re already laying the groundwork for recovering rare raw materials like platinum. Our estimates suggest that by 2030 at the latest, appreciable numbers of fuel cells will need recycling,” he adds. Platinum acts as a catalyst in the fuel cell, accelerating the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Recycling platinum can save more than 95 percent of the carbon emissions associated with platinum mining. By recycling, we can make the stacks more economical and at the same time reduce the carbon emissions associated with platinum mining,...says Thomas Pauer, the president of the Bosch Powertrain Solutions division. Bosch develops model agreement with repurchase option for stacks A first, important step in this direction is an agreement with the mobility provider Hylane, which provides for the repurchase of fuel-cell stacks by Bosch when their useful lives expire. Some of the hydrogen trucks leased by the Cologne-based startup feature Bosch fuel-cell power modules. In the long term, this model agreement could serve as a blueprint for further Bosch fuel-cell activities, both mobile and distributed, as well as for electrolysis stacks. “In this way, we can create predictable and stable supply chains and improve the availability of resources. Using recycled platinum lets us greatly reduce stacks’ absolute carbon footprint, since we avoid the emissions that would otherwise occur during the mining of the metal,” says Thomas Wintrich, head of the mobile fuel-cell business unit at Bosch. Under the new model agreement with Hylane, Bosch is guaranteed an option to repurchase stacks for mobile applications. The stacks themselves will be recycled by a third-party company. In the subsequent production process, Bosch will use the platinum recovered for new Hylane stacks. “We’re proud to have reached this innovative model agreement with Bosch that gives it the option to repurchase retired fuel-cell stacks. To achieve a sustainable transformation in mobility, it’s important that we consider not only vehicle use on the roads but the entire vehicle lifecycle as well,” says Sara Schiffer, the managing director of Hylane. In this way, we can create predictable and stable supply chains and improve the availability of resources. Using recycled platinum lets us greatly reduce stacks’ absolute carbon footprint, since we avoid the emissions that would otherwise occur during the mining of the metal, ...says Thomas Wintrich, head of the mobile fuel-cell business unit at Bosch. High demand for platinum in industry In medicine, the automotive industry, and many other areas, platinum is in demand as a raw material. In the automotive sector, platinum is used not only in fuel-cell stacks. In internal combustion engines as well, it is used in exhaust-gas treatment systems and lambda sensors. According to a 2021 study by the German Mineral Resources Agency, worldwide platinum demand could increase by some 20 percent by 2040 compared to 2018 production 2 . For fuel-cell stacks in mobile applications, the use of platinum alone accounts for over 80 percent of the stack’s carbon footprint. Bosch is pursuing various approaches to the circular economy Bosch has set itself the target of saving 15 percent of the CO 2 emitted in the upstream and downstream value chain (known as Scope 3 3 ) by 2030. The company is working on, developing, and researching various solutions, and takes an integrated approach to the circular economy. For instance, Bosch researchers have developed solutions that recover platinum in an eco-friendlier way than before. For these processes, it has filed for more than 20 patent families. And not only at the end of the product lifecycle is resource conservation the focus: in the future, it is planned to use digital twins to monitor the service life and function of the components in fuel cells and in electrolysis stacks during operation. This will allow maintenance, repair, and recycling to be planned in advance. Bosch is also involved in battery recycling, supplying pioneering technology: Europe’s first fully automated system for discharging and disassembling battery modules, featuring Bosch industrial technology, is being built on the premises of Battery Lifecycle Company, a subsidiary of Remondis, in Magdeburg, Germany. Meanwhile, as part of its Bosch eXchange program, the Automotive Aftermarket division has been reconditioning parts such as used starter and alternator units for decades – an attractive alternative for workshops looking for high-quality repairs in line with the current value of the vehicle. In certain product areas in household appliances and power tools, Bosch relies on the use of recycled materials in packaging and product housings. 1 Platinum group metals include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium. 2 German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA) study “Raw Materials for Future Technologies 2021. ” 3 Scope 3 emissions correspond to all other indirect emissions generated in a company’s value chain (source: Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard , p. 5). Roughly 90 percent of Scope 3 emissions occur during the product use phase. This is due, among other things, to the durability of our products (source: Bosch Sustainability Report , p. 54.)

14.09.2023

Image

Sustainability

Manufacturing of the Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM) in the Feuerbach plant

Reproduction for press purposes free of charge with credit “Picture: Bosch”. The fuel-cell power module is the most complex system Bosch has ever developed. A fuel-cell power module made in Feuerbach comprises several hundred individual parts, weighs more than 500 kilograms, and has a surface area of roughly 1.5 square meters.

14.09.2023

Image

Sustainability

Manufacturing of the Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM) in the Feuerbach plant

Reproduction for press purposes free of charge with credit “Picture: Bosch” Fuel cells contain valuable raw materials. Bosch is developing and testing new stacks in Feuerbach near Stuttgart, but is already thinking about recycling them. To this end, Bosch has developed a process that enables valuable raw materials such as platinum to be recovered as comprehensively as possible.

14.09.2023

Image

Sustainability

Manufacturing of the Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM) in the Feuerbach plant

Reproduction for press purposes free of charge with credit “Picture: Bosch” Platinum acts as a catalyst in the fuel cell, accelerating the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Recycling platinum can save more than 95 percent of the carbon emissions associated with platinum mining.

14.09.2023

Image

Sustainability

Model agreement for stack collection between Bosch and mobility provider Hylane

Reproduction for press purposes free of charge with credit “Picture: Bosch”. Bosch aims to repurchase stacks when their useful life expires. A first, important step in this direction is an agreement with the mobility provider Hylane.

28.06.2023

Press release

Business/economy

New area of business: Bosch to develop systems for water treatment

Stuttgart, Germany – “A climate-neutral world won’t work without green hydrogen,” says Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the Bosch board of management. Bosch is now expanding its business to include technology for water treatment. In addition to systems using the usual water treatment method of reverse osmosis, Bosch also plans to offer new solutions specifically engineered for remote areas and offshore locations. “Above all, the production of green hydrogen requires ultrapure water. With our special-purpose systems, water treatment can be done anywhere, even in the most remote areas of the world, in an economical and environmentally friendly way,” Hartung says. The systems designed by Bosch Manufacturing Solutions are not only robust and low maintenance, but compared to solutions commonly available on the market, they eliminate the need for chemicals in water treatment. With its entry into this new business field, Bosch is closing the circle and rounding off its range of products and services: “We’re developing technology for water treatment as well as for the generation, compression, storage, and use of hydrogen – and doing so for various sectors. Hardly any other company offers such a broad portfolio,” Hartung says. Water treatment forms the first and most fundamental link in the hydrogen value chain. Bosch has developed the water treatment technology for electrolysis at its locations in Renningen, Stuttgart-Feuerbach, and České Budějovice, and external pilot projects are to be added in the course of this year. The market launch for the systems is planned for 2024, and Bosch will be presenting the technology at the Bosch Tech Day in Stuttgart-Feuerbach on July 13, 2023. We’re developing technology for water treatment as well as for the generation, compression, storage, and use of hydrogen – and doing so for various sectors. Hardly any other company offers such a broad portfolio...says Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the Bosch board of management. Special-purpose water treatment systems for the toughest conditions Electrolyzers require ultrapure water for the production of hydrogen. “Impurities in the water can render electrolyzers inoperative in a very short time,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Schleifenbaum, head of the Hydrogen business unit at Bosch Manufacturing Solutions. In the future, hydrogen will be produced in areas with strong winds or abundant sunshine – Africa, South America, or Northern Europe, for example. Locations offshore or in the desert present particular challenges: considerable distances from the technical facilities, water high in salt or minerals – all make water treatment more difficult. As a result, demand for special equipment is high: Bosch expects that starting in 2035, some 500 of the company’s special-purpose water treatment systems will be needed worldwide each year. The Bosch systems remove minerals from the water by means of thermal and electrochemical processes to obtain ultrapure water. Thanks to a treatment process without filter media, it is possible for operators to completely dispense with the use of chemicals. “Green hydrogen is sustainable only if its production doesn’t cause collateral damage to the environment; for example, by putting chemicals into our already heavily polluted waters,” Schleifenbaum explains. For predictive maintenance of the equipment, even from far away, Bosch offers software solutions that ensure robust operation in harsh environmental conditions. Industrial systems for water treatment in developed areas The demand for ultrapure water for the world’s hydrogen projects is enormous. As the world strives to achieve the Paris climate targets, Bosch estimates that, starting in 2050, annual demand for the water used in electrolysis will amount to some four cubic kilometers – more than the volume of Germany’s Lake Starnberg. Germany, too, has ambitious plans: the government has set a goal of installing H2 electrolyzers with a total capacity of 10 gigawatts by 2030 (source: German government, 2022 ). The EU aims to install 40 gigawatts of electrolysis capacity in Europe by 2030, with plans to produce up to ten million metric tons of renewable hydrogen (source: European Commission, 2020 ). “Hydrogen will play a crucial role in the energy supply of the future. Industries worldwide must use hydrogen if they want to become climate neutral. Bosch supplies water treatment technology that meets different requirements with regard to the size, performance, and location of the electrolyzers,” Schleifenbaum says. For water treatment in developed areas, Bosch plans to expand its portfolio to include industrial systems that use reverse-osmosis processes and ion exchangers to turn tap water into the ultrapure water electrolyzers need. With this combination of industrial and special purpose equipment, Bosch fulfills the requirements for electrolysis projects worldwide. Water treatment with Bosch technology – “Invented for life” Bosch technologies also help maintain valuable drinking water reserves. The Bosch system is particularly efficient, reducing the feedwater required for producing water for the electrolysis process by up to one-third compared to common solutions on the market. In addition to producing water for electrolysis, the special-purpose systems can also be adapted to produce drinking water. “With our water treatment systems, we follow the Bosch guideline and offer technology that is ‘Invented for life.’ In areas where drinking water is scarce, we can use our technology to help improve the supply,” Schleifenbaum says.

13.04.2023

Press release

Business/economy

Hannover Messe: Bosch aims to increase sales of industrial technology to over 10 ...

Stuttgart, Germany – Bosch wants to achieve sustainable growth with industrial technology. Its sales of industrial technology are expected to rise from their current level of 7 billion euros to more than 10 billion euros by 2028. The aim is to achieve profitable growth: “We want to increase result more than sales and sustainably increase the value of the company. To this end, Bosch will invest a combined total of more than 3 billion euros in industrial technology in 2022 and 2023, ensuring organic and inorganic growth,” says the Bosch chairman Dr. Stefan Hartung. The acquisition of the U.S. hydraulics company HydraForce and its roughly 2,100 associates means that Bosch’s biggest current acquisition is in its Industrial Technology business sector. This merger sees Bosch Rexroth expanding its leading global position in hydraulics, supplying technology for excavators, cranes, tractors, and for plant and machinery in factories.Industrial technology offers enormous growth potential for Bosch. This is driven by an increasing need for automation and Industry 4.0 solutions, the “merging” of electrical and hydraulic systems, and growing demand for GreenTech for the ecological transformation of the economy. “By strengthening Industrial Technology, we are creating a better balance among our areas of business. Our broad diversification as a global technology company makes Bosch more creative and robust,” Hartung says. Within the Bosch Group as well, Industrial Technology is an important service provider, equipping the roughly 240 Bosch plants worldwide with manufacturing technology to ensure resource-efficient, customer-specific production. This saves the group from having to make orders worth over half a billion euros every year. At Hannover Messe (April 17–21, 2023), Bosch is showcasing its industrial technology portfolio, including innovations in collaborative robotics, control technology for Industry 4.0, energy-efficient hydraulics, electrified mobile machinery, stationary fuel cells for buildings and factories, and automated battery recycling. By strengthening Industrial Technology, we are creating a better balance among our areas of business. Our broad diversification as a global technology company makes Bosch more creative and robust,...says the Bosch chairman Dr. Stefan Hartung. GreenTech: Bosch sales with solutions for industry reach the billion mark Industrial technology is growing thanks both to various sectors of the economy moving toward climate neutrality and to the emergence of a circular economy. “Without capital goods, the ecological transformation of business would not be conceivable. Industrial technology enables the sustainable transformation of different sectors of the economy,” Hartung says. Bosch is developing solutions that conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, protect the environment, and mitigate global warming. In 2022, Bosch generated sales of more than 1 billion euros with environmental technology for industry – a year-on-year increase of 25 percent. In other words, Bosch reached its sales target for 2023 one year earlier than planned. And the company is continuing to expand its GreenTech portfolio. Bosch Rexroth, for example, is launching its eLION portfolio solutions for the electrification of mobile machinery such as excavators, wheel loaders, and tractors. With over 80 motor variants, graded according to power and size, the company offers the broadest range in the industry, helping to reduce carbon emissions on construction sites, in mining, and in ports. International customers such as Sennebogen and Kalmar Cargotec are already using the new Bosch drives in their products, and in this way driving forward the electrification of mobile machinery. The demand for GreenTech is also increasing in factories. As a result of climate-action measures, companies are modernizing their installed machinery and equipment on the one hand and building new manufacturing facilities on the other, for example for batteries and fuel cells. At Hannover Messe, Bosch is showcasing manufacturing technology for battery production – and for recycling. “The only way we can make a success of electromobility is if we recover the raw materials we use,” Hartung says. Bosch Rexroth has developed an automated battery discharge system that not only simplifies recycling, but is also more efficient than manual processes. The technology is being used for the first time by REMONDIS and Rhenus Automotive at their Magdeburg site in Germany. Hydrogen: Bosch is relying on its own know-how for technology development In addition to storage media such as batteries, “conversion artists” such as fuel cells are important elements of a climate-neutral future. At Hannover Messe, Bosch is presenting stationary solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with an overall efficiency of more than 85 percent. These distributed energy converters are currently being tested in some 60 pilot plants. One of them is the Hydrogen Campus in Salzgitter, Germany: at this Bosch site, ten SOFC fuel-cell systems have been integrated into the plant’s energy supply system. Bosch is aiming to launch the stationary fuel cells commercially in 2025. The components are manufactured using Bosch’s own know-how and technology. From cell to stack to the overall system: Bosch’s special-purpose machinery unit supplies more than 50 percent of the manufacturing equipment required for fuel-cell production. In the future, the Bosch portfolio will also feature components for electrolyzers. The market launch for the heart of the electrolyzer, known as the stack, is planned for 2025. Industry 4.0: Bosch software conserves resources Energy, factory supplies, raw materials – resources are rare and precious. “Our response to shortages is efficiency. Anyone looking to manufacture sustainably needs to adopt Industry 4.0,” Hartung says. For example, Bosch Connected Industry’s Nexeed Industry 4.0 software increases plant effectiveness in factories by an average of 5 percent, cuts maintenance costs by 25 percent, and reduces waste. Nexeed is already being put through its paces in more than half of Bosch’s roughly 240 plants and at more than 100 international customers. Software also helps combine conventional and novel technologies. One example is hydraulics: for more than 200 years, fluid mechanics have been used whenever large loads need to be moved with minimal effort, for example in plastics machinery or presses. Thanks to load-dependent control, Bosch Rexroth variable-speed pump drives are now always in the optimum operating mode. They switch to standby mode when not in use. Compared to conventional drives, this reduces the hydraulic systems’ energy consumption by up to 80 percent. Automation: Bosch technology reduces complexity Aging society, labor shortages, limited resources in general: the challenges are mounting. Bosch is focusing on an education and training campaign and on technology that supports companies and relieves workers of certain tasks. Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX AUTOMATION modular automation system, for example, understands over 30 programming languages and allows users to develop their own apps and services. More than 600 customers already rely on this pioneering form of automation. “The only way we can overcome the pressing challenges of our time is by joining forces to make more of a difference. ‘Co-creation’ and making systems open for others are important considerations here,” Hartung says. Bosch Rexroth is pursuing this approach in hydraulics as well. Whereas control technology was previously tied to hardware, the company has now transferred this to software modules. This means mechanical engineers can continue to use existing automation architectures; specific hydraulics know-how is no longer required. Automation also supports workers directly, for example by relieving them of monotonous or strenuous tasks. At Hannover Messe, Bosch Rexroth is showcasing articulated, fine-motor lightweight cobots that reach around corners in seven axes and help workers load, palletize, and inspect workpieces. These cobots are in demand. The global market for industrial automation is growing rapidly: while sales of automation technology were just under 200 billion euros in 2021, they are expected to grow to more than 400 billion euros globally by 2030 – with annual growth rates of over 8 percent (source: Precedence Research, 2022 ). “Megatrends such as digitalization, an aging society, and efforts toward greater sustainability are driving the demand for automation. Factory automation is a strategic business area for Bosch in which we aim to achieve double-digit growth every year – and thus grow faster the market,” Hartung says.

05.04.2023

Presskit

Industry 4.0

Hannover Messe 2023