Why Referenzfabrik.H2?

20 in 27 - Kostenpfad zur Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von Wasserstoff-Systemen

We are creating the conditions necessary for the cost-effective mass production of hydrogen systems. Our “20 in 27” vision outlines a clear path to cost reduction and scaling: reducing production costs to 20% by 2027—through high-volume production, robust process chains, and scalable quality concepts.

Challenges

Hydrogen technologies are a key to climate protection and the energy transition. Systems for converting renewable energy into hydrogen (electrolyzers) and for reconverting it back into electricity (fuel cells) are crucial. Today, the bottleneck often lies not in the technology itself, but in scalable, cost-efficient, and quality-assured manufacturing.

Currently, many components and systems are still being produced in small quantities. Therefore, the ramp-up of a hydrogen-based industry requires:

  • Industrialization of process chains (from components to stacks/systems),
  • highly scalable production systems (cycle time, automation, plant designs),
  • integrated value-creation networks that bring together core competencies from various industries,
  • Resource and sustainability considerations throughout the manufacturing process (material use, recycling, circular economy approaches).

This is exactly where Referenzfabrik.H2 comes in: We translate these challenges into concrete manufacturing solutions and implementation options — thereby opening up opportunities for companies of all sizes and across a wide range of industries.

Mission statement

Purpose

We make hydrogen systems ready for production and the market – thereby boosting value creation, the energy transition, and climate protection.

Vision

Our vision: a significant reduction in the production costs of hydrogen systems by 2027 – through scalable manufacturing technologies, industrial quality standards, and high-performance value chains.

Mission

We develop, test, and demonstrate solutions for the scaling up of industrial mass production of hydrogen systems—from manufacturing technology and process integration to quality assurance and sustainability.

Goals

The Reference Factory.H2 lays the groundwork for cost-effective, high-volume production of electrolysers and fuel cells. The focus is on:

Scaling up to industrial production volumes

We enable higher output through automated, synchronized processes and robust, scalable plant and production line designs.

Reducing costs, advancing competitiveness

We reduce manufacturing costs through optimized process chains, material efficiency, and product and process designs that can be consistently industrialized.

Ensuring quality in mass production

We establish testing and measurement strategies (including process windows, data models, and traceability) to ensure that production runs smoothly and consistently.

Integrating sustainability and circular processes

We evaluate and improve resource utilization, recycling pathways, and reuse throughout the entire process chain.

Fraunhofer IWU - Our expertise

As the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), we develop technologies and production systems for competitive industrial production – from components and processes to complex machine systems: the entire factory.

Our strengths lie in production-related research and development for sectors including automotive and mechanical engineering, aerospace, medical technology, electrical engineering, and precision and microtechnology. As a leading institute for resource-efficient production, we apply this expertise specifically to the manufacturing of fuel cell and electrolyzer systems.

In doing so, we examine the entire process chain — including tool and equipment development, automation, testing technology, data and quality strategies, as well as recycling and circular economy approaches—and consistently ensure that our technologies and methods remain at the cutting edge of research.