PEM to develop hydrogen infrastructure for mining sector
The PEM Chair has not only delivered several projects in electric mobility but has also expanded its activities into fuel cell technologies, including the development of a fuel cell system for trucks. The portfolio is now being extended with a further initiative: the ‘DigHy’ research project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space with approximately €1.1 million.
DigHy focuses on establishing a CO₂-free energy supply for heavy-duty mining vehicles based on hydrogen. The hydrogen is to be produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity generated from treated mine water. The project aims to integrate the entire hydrogen value chain – from production and storage to distribution and use in fuel cell vehicles – within a single system. This integrated approach is to be physically validated through prototype applications.
“Taking climate targets seriously means we have to address all energy-intensive areas and take advantage of the benefits of artificial intelligence,” said PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker. The project will also utilise digital twins, among other technologies.
The project partners intend to develop an adaptive and robust system designed to decarbonise energy-intensive mining processes and validate the approach under real operating conditions. The proposed solution will also be benchmarked against alternative CO₂ reduction pathways, including battery-electric drives, overhead line systems and IPCC (‘In-Pit Crushing and Conveying’) concepts, with regard to energy efficiency, economic viability and emissions reduction.
Alongside PEM, the consortium comprises the Fraunhofer IWU and N+P Informationssysteme. Nivelsteiner Sandwerke und Sandsteinbrüche and HYDAC International are participating as associated partners.
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