At the Hydrogen Technology World Expo from October 20 to 22, 2026, in Hamburg, the Fraunhofer Hydrogen Lab Hessen GreenMat4H2 presents two application-oriented developments at booth 6B25 of the Hessen State Agency.
The focus is on upgrading existing gas networks for hydrogen transport and using hydrocarbon-containing residual materials as a raw material source. Involved are the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (LBF) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Recycling and Resource Strategies (IWKS).
Testing methods for coated high-pressure pipelines
Fraunhofer LBF, together with industry partners, develops testing procedures for materials, components, and systems used in hydrogen transport. At the expo, the institute displays a real pipeline section. It illustrates how internal coatings protect the steel pipe wall and what evidence is required for long-term operation.
According to the institute, converting decades-old pipelines to hydrogen places high demands on metallic materials and protection systems. Operating pressures of 100 bar and more, as well as high gas flow speeds, can further stress the pipe materials and promote hydrogen embrittlement.
Thin internal coatings are intended to reduce direct contact between hydrogen and steel. Fraunhofer LBF develops methods to evaluate the adhesion, durability, and lifespan of these coatings under realistic loads. This aims to create reliable foundations for investment decisions and longer service lives.
Microwave reactor converts residual materials into hydrogen
Fraunhofer IWKS presents the model of a compact reactor for microwave-based plasma pyrolysis. The process decomposes solid, liquid, or gaseous hydrocarbon-containing feedstocks using a highly reactive microwave plasma. According to the institute, extensive pretreatment is not required. When using renewable energy, the process does not directly release CO₂ during conversion.
In the reactor, hydrogen, synthesis gases, and carbon material are produced, which can be further used energetically or materially. According to IWKS, the modular process can flexibly respond to different residual material streams and available renewable energy. The process aims to combine hydrogen production, waste utilization, and circular value creation.
What the GreenMat4H2 Hydrogen Lab does
In the Hydrogen Lab Hessen GreenMat4H2, Fraunhofer LBF and Fraunhofer IWKS pool their expertise for a sustainable and secure hydrogen economy. The entire lifecycle of products and systems is considered—from production through storage and transport to use and recycling.
Fraunhofer LBF focuses on the reliability and structural durability of hydrogen-exposed systems, while Fraunhofer IWKS focuses on the circularity and recyclability of components. The center sees itself as a competence center and exchange platform for actors in the hydrogen economy in the Rhine-Main area.
