How hydrogen is opening up new business areas

Germany has set itself the goal of becoming a leading provider of hydrogen technologies – German companies are expanding their business into hydrogen technologies (Source: Adobe Stock / Humam)

In 2023, global installed electrolysis capacity stood at around 1.4 GW. According to recent project announcements, this is expected to rise to about 520 GW by 2030. At the same time, the market for green hydrogen is projected to reach a volume of approximately $624 billion by 2030 and grow to about $1.4 trillion by 2050.

This momentum is also reflected in Germany: With the update to the „National Hydrogen Strategy“ („Nationale Wasserstoffstrategie“) adopted in July 2023, the federal government has expanded its goals until 2030. Among other things, this aims to accelerate the market ramp-up of hydrogen. Plans also include the use of H2 in industrial processes, as well as in heavy-duty, air, and maritime transportation. Furthermore, Germany aims to position itself as a leading provider of hydrogen technologies across the entire value chain.

Here, you can read how three German companies have entered the hydrogen economy – and in doing so, have tapped into new business areas.

© Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Map of locations for IPCEI hydrogen projects (Important Projects of Common European Interest) (Source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action)

Numerous companies in Germany are already active in the hydrogen sector – ranging from materials development and the manufacture of individual components to various applications.

However, technical innovations, among other things, are necessary for the further expansion of the hydrogen economy. This is demonstrated by the Fraunhofer Society (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e.V.) in its report „Fraunhofer Hydrogen Excellence“ („Fraunhofer Wasserstoffexzellenz“) from 2023. These innovations would also include research and development projects, for example on materials and manufacturing processes. Three companies making such contributions are Rheinmetall AG, Continental AG and Kyocera K.K.

Rheinmetall: Project on Precious-Metal-Free Electrodes Completed

Rheinmetall is known as a German defense contractor. Its product portfolio includes, among other things, air defense systems and main battle tanks.

Since September 2021, the company has also been part of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Initiative, which is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the federal government. In addition, the company’s activities have also extended to the field of fuel cells and H2 technology applications.

A concrete example of this is the consortium project „Precious-Metal-Free Electrodes for the Next Generation of Alkaline Electrolysis“ („Edelmetallfreie Elektroden für die nächste Generation der Alkalischen Elektrolyse“ (E²ngel)), which was funded as part of the „National Hydrogen Strategy“. KS Gleitlager GmbH, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall, participated in the project as the consortium leader. From 2023 to 2026, the subsidiary conducted research in collaboration with other companies.

This research focused on developing an innovative electrode technology intended for use in alkaline electrolysis. The goal was to increase the productivity of water electrolysis by using catalysts free of precious metals. The electrodes, which can be up to two meters long, are designed for electrolysers in the multi-MW range and for the production of green hydrogen. The project was successfully completed in January 2026. The next step is scheduled to be the start of pilot production in 2027 at the St. Leon-Rot site.

In water electrolysis, water is split into oxygen and hydrogen (Source: Adobe Stock / Corona Borealis)

Continental: Development of Hydrogen Hoses for Refueling

Continental is a German tire manufacturer and industrial company. Among other things, the company produces passenger car tire components and specialty tires for electrically powered trailer axles. However, its product portfolio also includes hoses – meaning the company is now applying its existing expertise to the hydrogen sector as well.

This is because: In February 2025, Continental subsidiary ContiTech AG unveiled an innovative cooling line it had developed specifically for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. The hose material is a synthetic rubber compound based on high-performance EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber). This material is designed to reduce ion leaching. As a result, fewer ions would enter the cooling circuit of the hydrogen powertrain, thereby extending the service life of vehicle components in hydrogen powertrains.

The hydrogen hoses are manufactured at the Korbach site (Source: Continental AG)

In addition, a production facility for hydrogen hoses was commissioned at the Korbach site in the spring of 2025. The facility cost around 3 million euros. The hoses are designed for refueling vehicles with hydrogen. This can generate pressures of up to 700 bar, which the hoses must withstand. To ensure this, ContiTech has used an innovative material combination consisting of thermoplastics, steel, and rubber.

Kyocera: Ceramic Hydrogen Components in production

Kyocera is known for manufacturing printers through its subsidiary Kyocera Solutions Deutschland GmbH: its product portfolio includes laser and multifunction printers, among other items. In Germany, Kyocera K.K. is also represented by Kyocera Europe GmbH.

Drawing on Kyocera Europe‘s expertise in technical ceramics, the company has developed various technologies for the hydrogen economy. These include, for example, ceramic rods that can be used as tubes in hydrogen processes. Also in the portfolio: ceramic heat exchangers used for thermal management in electrolysis, as well as ceramic pistons and gap pots used in hydrogen transport.

The alumina structural ceramic is used in fuel cells (Source: Kyocera Europe GmbH)

In October 2025, Kyocera Fineceramics Europe GmbH, another subsidiary of Kyocera K.K., presented its ceramic hydrogen technologies at the Hydrogen Technology World Expo in Hamburg.

Wire and Tube 2026

In addition to technical developments, pipeline infrastructure also plays a key role in the transportation of hydrogen. As a result, key issues facing the hydrogen economy will take center stage at wire & Tube, which will take place in Düsseldorf from April 13 to 17, 2026. This internationally oriented trade fair highlights current developments in the pipe, wire, and cable industry, while also addressing topics such as energy infrastructure and new applications. See you soon in Düsseldorf.

Sources:

Rheinmetall AG

KS Gleitlager GmbH

Kyocera K.K.

Kyocera Solutions Deutschland GmbH

Kyocera Europe GmbH

Kyocera Fineceramics Europe GmbH

Continental AG

ContiTech AG

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e.V.

KfW Research

Bundesverband Erneuerbare Energie e.V.