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Latest news from the metal industry

Chancellor rejects categorical ban on PFAS
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejects a rapid and comprehensive ban on PFAS and instead favours ‘pragmatic solutions’, which are welcomed by the chemical industry. During a visit to the Evonik site at the Marl Chemical Park in North Rhine-Westphalia, Scholz commented on the future handling of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
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Hydrogen Research: Germany and Korea Deepen Cooperation
Fraunhofer Institutes and the Korean Institute of Energy Research intensify their collaboration. The focus is on hydrogen, photovoltaics, and wind energy. The goal is to accelerate the establishment of a hydrogen economy in both countries. The cooperation is initially set to last three years.
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Chemical industry: VCI warns of Germany's declining importance as a centre of innovation
Although spending on research and development (R&D) in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry is increasing, Germany is losing importance as a centre of innovation. According to the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), the country suffers from structural problems such as excessive bureaucracy, excessively long approval procedures and a complicated system of project funding.
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Focus on AI: Key theme day on digitalization
On 12 September, the Johannes-Rau-Forschungsgemeinschaft e.V. is hosting the “Society & Digitalization” theme day with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI).
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New Study Examines High-Temperature Electrolysis for Power-to-Methanol
A recently published study by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) sheds light on the potential of power-to-methanol systems in future renewable energy infrastructures. The research focused on high-temperature electrolysis.
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Thanks to Exports: German Industrial Valves Industry on the Rise
In the first half of 2024, the valves industry achieved a revenue growth of 5%. Despite declining domestic sales, manufacturers are expecting similar growth for the entire year but remain cautious in their outlook.
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European Consortium Launches Database Project for Hydrogen Integration into Gas Networks
A consortium of twelve European institutions, including the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), has recently launched the EU project SHIMMER. The aim of this initiative is to create a comprehensive database that will provide detailed information on European gas infrastructure and the hydrogen compatibility of materials and components.
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Major order for British valve manufacturer
An energy company has commissioned valve and actuator manufacturer IMI to supply seven anti surge valves worth several million euros for an offshore production facility in the North Sea.
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Karlsruhe Chipdesign House founded at KIT
High-performance microchips are an integral part of modern technology. The majority of the chips used are supplied by manufacturers from Asia and North America. In order to strengthen Germany's position as a center of innovation for chip design, the virtual Karlsruhe Chipdesign House (KCH) has been established at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
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TÜV Rheinland Introduces New "H₂-ready" Certificate
TÜV Rheinland has introduced a new hydrogen certification. The certification attests to the suitability of materials used in critical applications such as pipelines and pressure vessels in large industrial plants for use with pressurized hydrogen. The "H₂-ready" test mark aims to increase safety in the hydrogen industry. The first companies have already received certification.
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müller coax introduces new hydrogen valve for high pressures
A new valve with a high flow factor for the medium hydrogen has been added to the müller coax product range. It is designed to withstand pressures of up to 1,000 bar.
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15.6% less than in the previous year: fewer vacancies in engineering and IT professions
According to the latest Engineering Monitor from the VDI and the German Economic Institute, the shortage of professionals in engineering and IT professions has eased somewhat.
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Hydrogen in Europe: Network Expansion as a Key Factor
The EU aims to massively increase the production of green hydrogen. However, experts see the lack of transport infrastructure as a major obstacle. This article analyzes the importance of pipeline networks for the development of the European hydrogen market and discusses possible solutions.
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Joint study by Bitkom and BSI to record crowdstrike damage
The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the digital association Bitkom have initiated a study to determine the extent of the damage caused by the crowdstrike incident in mid-July. While initial estimates of the losses and economic consequences are available, precise figures are still lacking. The online survey will run until 21 August.
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Effective and cost-efficient removal of PFAS from water
Together with Cornelsen Umwelttechnologie GmbH, Fraunhofer UMSICHT has developed a procedure to remove PFAS from water. With the patented PerfluorAd technology, aqueous media can be treated effectively and cost-effectively.
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Bitkom criticises excessively rapid implementation deadline for the NIS 2 Directive
In a press commentary, Bitkom President Dr Ralf Wintergerst commented on the implementation of the NIS 2 Directive in Germany. While the EU has successfully improved cyber security with this directive without excessive bureaucracy, German companies lack sufficient time to fulfil the requirements.
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State Government Presents Hydrogen Import Concept for NRW
North Rhine-Westphalia's state government has become the first federal state to present its own hydrogen import concept. The state aims to position itself as an "attractive partner for hydrogen suppliers from around the world". The demand for hydrogen in NRW is estimated at up to 177 terawatt hours per year, of which over 90 percent will need to be imported.
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Adapting to climate change with intelligent butterfly valves
The InSchuKa 4.0 project aims to protect Jena's sewer network from the consequences of climate change using AI-controlled sewer valves. The project has now been awarded the Sustainability Award in the digitalization category by the Zeitung für kommunale Wirtschaft (ZfK).
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TSOs submit application for hydrogen core network
On Monday (July 22), the Transmission System Operators (TSOs) submitted the final application for the nationwide hydrogen core network to the Federal Network Agency. After approval, the core network is intended to gradually connect consumption and production centers as well as storage and import points for hydrogen by 2032. Initial conversions could take place as early as next year.
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New study shows: Generative AI is becoming increasingly popular
Companies are increasingly focussing on generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), driven by rising investment and the many benefits of the technology. Generative AI has established itself across industries and in various corporate departments, transforming processes and business models.
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VAA mood survey: poor mood in the chemical industry
The current mood among specialists and managers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry remains subdued due to the ongoing difficult economic and industrial policy conditions. This is the result of this year's mood survey conducted by the German Chemical Industry Association (VAA).
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Study Calculates Network Requirements for Central Germany
On July 24, the study "Hydrogen Network Central Germany 2.0" was presented in Leipzig. It was conducted by the European Metropolitan Region Central Germany, the hydrogen network HYPOS, the DBI Group, and Infracon on behalf of 54 companies and authorities in the three federal states. One result: In Central Germany, hydrogen demand and supply will increase rapidly by 2040.
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BASF builds plant for electrolysis components
BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) has begun construction of a factory for hydrogen and fuel cell components. At the site, the first of its kind for the group, BASF plans to produce novel membranes for PEM electrolysis, among other things.
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Sealing Manufacturer Expands Production in Asia
A European sealing manufacturer has expanded its production network by opening two new locations in Asia. The company will now produce seals in China and Vietnam. The two new sites of the Swiss group Angst+Pfister have already started operations and are successfully active in Asia.
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Billions in Funding for Hydrogen Ramp-Up in Germany
Kickoff for Expansion: Federal and state governments are investing billions in hydrogen infrastructure. The 23 funded projects are part of the so-called Hy2Infra wave of IPCEI Hydrogen (Important Projects of Common European Interest). The European Commission approved the state aid on February 15.
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