BMW Connects Leipzig Plant to Hydrogen Network - BMW's Leipzig Plant to Get First Hydrogen Pipeline in Automotive Industry
BMW has signed contracts with Mitnetz Gas and Ontras Gastransport for a significant infrastructure project. The automaker aims to connect its Leipzig plant to the nationwide hydrogen network, a first watch for the automotive industry.
BMW has contracted Mitnetz Gas to construct a two-kilometer connection pipeline to the future hydrogen core network. This pipeline is expected to supply the Leipzig plant with hydrogen by mid-2027, replacing current truck deliveries of pressurized bottles.
The Leipzig plant is already equipped for hydrogen use, with over 230 forklifts and tugger trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Additionally, BMW has installed ten plant cell burners in the paint shop that can run on either natural gas or hydrogen, with the first such burner installed three years ago. Petra Peterhänsel, head of BMW Group Werk Leipzig, anticipates that pipeline supply will enable the use of hydrogen in entirely new dimensions, particularly for energy-intensive processes like dryers in the paint shop.
The so-called hydrogen backbone network is planned to cover 9,000 kilometers of pipelines, connecting Germany to the regional hydrogen network by 2032.
BMW's pipeline project with Mitnetz Gas and Ontras Gastransport is set to make the Leipzig plant the world's first automobile production site to be supplied with hydrogen via a pipeline. This move is expected to enhance efficiency and sustainability in BMW's manufacturing processes.
Read also:
- Transitioning to Electric Vehicles Places Heavy Demand on Power Grids
- E-mobility continues its progress after a decade since the scandal, staying on course
- The Commission deems the assistance program to be in agreement with the domestic market regulations.
- Innovative Garments and Accessories Producing Energy: Exploring Unconventional Sources for Renewable Power
