New Horizon for Automotive Industry: HYDROGEN| By Benjamin Debusschere

blank

In the middle of the pandemic crisis and as it was expected, the figures for the automotive industry are not good overall. According to Inovev’s latest report on the economic climate, global vehicle sales, both private and commercial, have dropped by 23% over the first seven months of 2020, and the production has decreased by 29% for the same period. 2020 is set to close with a 15% drop in sales and a decrease in production between -15% to -20%.

However, there is some good news to be shared: The growth of the commercial vehicle market in China and The attention that governments and industrial companies are giving to hydrogen.

All over the world, cars are more and more excluded from cities’ centers and are of less and less interest to the younger generation, especially given the pollution they cause. But a clean technology such as Hydrogen may give the automotive industry a new lease on life and reverse this trend; given that its combustion releases few or no CO2 emissions.

The way I see it, our needs for mobility will remain the same for quite some time to come.

Furthermore, over the past few months, countries including Germany & France have devoted billions of Euros to develop hydrogen technologies. At first, those plans involve avoiding fossil fuel-based energies which are used to produce hydrogen.

The goal is to produce Green Hydrogen through the electrolysis of water from a renewable and decarbonised source of electricity. Efforts must also be made on fuel cells, which are still very expensive to produce; and of course, to deploy the necessary  distribution networks.

As a result of these investments, large automotive brands such as Toyota & Hyundai, are already working on it and in order to remain competitive, other manufacturers will have to shift to hydrogen.

blank
Fuel Cell & Hydrogen tank

Hydrogen is also a big opportunity for the Materials industry overall, particularly composites; offering real advantages in storing hydrogen in different forms (gaseous, compressed or liquified); especially in designing tanks that are lightweight and strong!

Companies such as Faurecia and Plastic Omnium have already bet on Hydrogen and recently formed a joint venture to support this opportunity.

Despite the pandemic crisis, there is a brighter future ahead for the automotive industry!

World Hydrogen Summit9-10 March 2021 – The second edition of the World Hydrogen Summit will gather global Government, industry and research experts all in one place with each session designed to facilitate intensive analysis, planning, networking, consolidation and debate in order to harness Hydrogen’s potential.

Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE12-16 April 2021 – The Hydrogen+Fuel Cells Europe is Europe’s largest and most important H2+FC exhibition. It is part of the Hannover Messe 2021.

World Hydrogen Technologies Convention20-24 June 2021 – At WHTC 2021, local and international attendees have the opportunity to present their technical findings and advancements in hydrogen and fuel cells, as well as participate in f-cell+HFC the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Event for marketing and networking.

you might also like

Blockchain E-commerce Entrepreneurship FoodTech France Greentech Impact Innovation New Materials Startup Supply Chain Sustainability
blank

Sesamers attended the ALL4PACK event in Paris, where we explored cutting-edge solutions transforming the packaging industry. From eco-friendly materials to advanced digital tools, these startups are reshaping packaging for the F&B sector and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the innovative companies we met. Proper Packaging (Eco-Friendly Materials and Processes) Reusable and Circular Packaging Solutions Digital Tools for Packaging and Delivery Efficiency Authentication and Brand Protection Boost Your Startup’s Visibility Are you a startup in the packaging industry with a sustainable or innovative solution? List your startup here to increase visibility among key players in F&B and packaging sectors. We might also feature your startup in one of our articles !

Blockchain + 11
New Materials Startup
JEC World 2024 New Material

In a recent interview with Dr. Karl-Heinz Füller, Manager Future Exterior and Materials at Mercedes-Benz AG, we learned about the company’s strategic involvement in JEC World’s Startup Booster competition. This partnership highlights Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and sustainability through advanced composite materials. Let’s explore five key takeaways from our conversation and how Mercedes-Benz is changing the future of the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz Champions Composite Innovation at JEC World Mercedes-Benz decided to sponsor JEC World’s Startup Booster as they want to tackle material challenges in the automotive industry. Dr. Füller explained, “JEC World’s Startup Booster Competition focuses on important material issues in the global materials community.” This sponsorship gives Mercedes-Benz the chance to explore new ideas related to composites, such as natural fibers and bio-based plastics, which are essential for creating sustainable vehicles in the future. The dedication to finding innovative solutions through these partnerships indeed shows the commitment to innovation and sustainability. A Systematic Approach to Evaluating Startups at JEC World’s Startup Booster When it comes to evaluating potential innovations, Mercedes-Benz follows a detailed process to ensure alignment with their strategic goals. Dr. Füller mentioned, “At the beginning of the process, we define our core searching areas together with the JEC organization.” This structured evaluation helps Mercedes-Benz identify startups that have the potential to provide breakthrough solutions in composite technology. The collaborations often start with a “Proof of Concept” project, allowing the company to test innovative ideas before moving forward with larger applications in their vehicle designs. Composites Beyond Carbon Fiber Although carbon-fiber-reinforced composites are well-known, Dr. Füller pointed out that other composite materials, such as glass fibers and textiles, play an even more critical role in the automotive industry. “The application range is much wider and important for the automotive industry,” he said. These materials offer a variety of benefits, from reducing weight to increasing durability, helping Mercedes-Benz create vehicles that meet both performance and sustainability standards. Sustainability Through Material Optimization Sustainability is at the heart of Mercedes-Benz’s innovation strategy, and composite materials play a significant role in achieving their goals. Dr. Füller emphasized that while composites aren’t the main contributors to CO2 emissions, “we have to take care of the optimization of all materials and every single component.” By continuously improving the materials used in their vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is working towards reducing their environmental impact, which is essential as global regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainable vehicles increases. Success Stories of Innovation in Action Mercedes-Benz’s sponsorship of JEC World’s Startup Booster has already yielded notable results. One standout example is the integration of UBQ materials into their vehicles. UBQ transforms household waste into a usable plastic compound, showcasing a significant step towards reducing dependence on fossil resources. Dr. Füller shared, “UBQ is converting household waste into a material, which can be used in a plastic compound.” This success stories illustrate the potential of innovative materials in revolutionizing the automotive industry and driving sustainability. Take your startup to the next level by applying for JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition before the final deadline on October 28th. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure, receive mentorship, and attract investment!

New Materials + 1
New Materials Startup
blank

Startups are often the drivers of innovation, and BioHalo, a visionary company from the Technical University of Denmark, stands out as a leader in sustainable material science. Johann Liebeton, BioHalo’s Business Development lead, recently shared the journey that led them to win JEC World’s 2024 Startup Booster competition. A Revolutionary Solution for the Environment BioHalo’s breakthrough innovation involves engineered bacteria to produce eco-friendly, high-performance polymers. These polymers aim to replace Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances(PFAS), which are notorious for their durability and harmful effects on both the environment and human health. Liebeton explained, “PFAS are indestructible and harmful to humans, with the Nordic Council of Ministers estimating the annual cost between €50 to €80 billion.” This innovation directly addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in industries that rely on PFAS. The Path to JEC World’s Startup Booster BioHalo’s participation in the JEC’s Startup Booster was a strategic move. Liebeton recalls, “the first thing I did was apply to the competition. We did not know our chances, but it was worth the effort.” One of the biggest benefits was the pitch training provided by JEC, which helped him prepare for a high-profile jury keen on PFAS replacement technologies. The Impact of Winning Winning the competition proved to be a turning point for BioHalo. Liebeton vividly recalls the moment: “Being selected as winners overwhelmed me. If you watch the video, you’ll notice my genuine surprise at the win.” The victory opened up discussions with potential partners, though scaling production to meet testing demands posed challenges. However, the team is focused on reigniting those conversations as they prepare for JEC World 2025. The Future Vision for BioHalo Looking ahead, The company aims to replace PFAS in various industries within the next five years. Their vision involves scaling up eco-friendly polymer production and collaborating with forward-thinking companies eager to adopt greener materials. Liebeton reflects, “The biggest challenge is bridging the gap between research and commercialization, but we see a lot of interest in making this happen. Liebeton offers simple but essential advice for startups considering the JEC World Startup Booster: “Don’t hesitate to apply! The process is efficient, and the support from JEC and Sesamers is invaluable.” Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply for JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition before the final deadline on October 28th. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain exposure, mentorship, and investment! Cover photo by Kai Dahms on Unsplash

New Materials + 1

Subscribe to
our Newsletter!

Stay at the forefront with our curated guide to the best upcoming Tech events.