Burckhardt breaks ground on hydrogen test facility

Burckhardt Compression in Winterthur, Switzerland, has started construction of a hydrogen test facility for the development of sealing technologies and solutions for hydrogen refueling stations for heavy-duty vehicles.

Burckhardt Compression is one of the finalists selected by Shell New Energies as a partner for the development of oil-free high-pressure hydrogen compressors. Burckhardt Compression’s solutions for export and refueling applications will enable the compression of hydrogen gas up to 900 bar (as a booster) using non-lubricated compressors, the company said.

Burckhardt Compression broke ground on a hydrogen test facility. (Image: Burckhardt Compression)

“Hydrogen is an energy carrier with considerable potential, especially for heavy-duty applications,” said Fabrice Billard, CEO Burckhardt Compression. “We are pleased to continue researching these technologies together with Shell New Energies in order to contribute to the energy transition and the reduction of CO2 emissions. Our teams, together with Shell New Energies, have successfully completed the first technical milestones of the project and this new facility will allow us to test and optimize the new compressors before launch.”

The test facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2022 or early 2023, with testing to be completed by the end of the same year.