The O2Hamm project is investigating the use of oxygenproduced asa byproduct of green hydrogen production. In this research project, the project partners examined the Hamm region and the Ruhr area. The basis for this is the Hamm Hydrogen Center. Once operational, it is expected to produce approximately 1,500 metric tons of green hydrogen annually . The production process generates about 12,000 metric tons of oxygen, which could potentially be utilized. Potential users include wastewater treatment facilities, the food industry, hospitals, and other industrial processes.
Over the course of two years , the project partners will systematically assess potential demand, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. Structured surveys will form the basis for this effort. They will identify requirements regarding the volume, purity, and price of the oxygen.
Based on this data, the project partners will then examine various supply options. These include transportation solutions, grid-based supply, and the supply of gaseous and liquefied fuels . Project Manager Sahand Saadat of Fraunhofer IEG explains that the results will be evaluated from both environmental and economic perspectives and are intended to serve as a basis for decision-making by companies. The project also strengthens regional value chains and supports the transition to a climate-neutral industry.
A dissertation by Franziska Hönig, written as part of the LocalHy project at the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP), has already shown that the commercial use of oxygen can reduce the production costs of green hydrogen by up to 45 percent.
The H2Raum Initiative connects stakeholders in the Ruhr region
The "T!Raum – Transfer Spaces for the Future of Regions" funding program of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space provides funding for the H2Raum initiative and is supporting the project with 380,000 euros.
The program is designed to drive innovation and structural change in economically disadvantaged regions. To this end, H2Raum connects hydrogen stakeholders in the Ruhr region: startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, educational and research institutions, college students, high school students, and civil society are working together to develop hydrogen projects.
The Westphalian University of Applied Sciences has been conducting research on hydrogen technology for over 20 years and is a partner in numerous regional and national initiatives. Starting in the 2024–25 winter semester, it will offer the degree program “Hydrogen Systems and Renewable Energies.” Additionally, the “H2 Solution Lab” —funded as part of the 5-Site Program jointly sponsored by the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia—is being established as a hydrogen laboratory at the university.
Within the Fraunhofer Society, Fraunhofer IEG focuses on geothermal energy, energy infrastructure, and industry-oriented hydrogen research. Through TransHyDE, the institute leads one of three flagship projects of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action on hydrogen technologies. It develops storage solutions and supports the integration of hydrogen technologies into existing energy systems.
