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Latest news from the metal industry

European Hydrogen Infrastructure: Ruhr Region Initiative Calls for Implementation
A group of stakeholders from the Ruhr region has published a strategy paper on European hydrogen supply. The document emphasizes the importance of rapid implementation of the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB), a concept for a Europe-wide hydrogen network.
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New VDMA President comes from the valve industry
Family entrepreneur Bertram Kawlath from Ingolstadt was elected as the new President of the VDMA for the next four years by the VDMA General Assembly in Wiesbaden. He takes over from Karl Haeusgen (HAWE Hydraulik SE), who has served as President since 2020.
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EU Commission Announces Conditions for Second Hydrogen Auction
The EU Commission has published the conditions for the second auction of the Hydrogen Bank. From December 2024, producers can bid for funding of up to 1.2 billion euros. The auction aims to strengthen the European market for renewable hydrogen.
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ZEW study: Pandemic does not have a positive impact on digitalization
Contrary to general perception, the Covid-19 pandemic has not given digitalization in Germany the boost it had hoped for, according to a survey conducted by the ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research in Mannheim.
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Extending the Lifespan of Battery Cells
By 2030, more than 100 million electric vehicles are expected to be on roads worldwide. To make e-mobility more sustainable for the future, nearly all manufacturers are focusing on increasing range and reducing charging times. A key area of development is high-performance battery cells.
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HydroNet Launch: Sauerland Focuses on Hydrogen
The HydroNet project has been launched in Sauerland. Over the next five years, a regional hydrogen economy will be developed in the Arnsberg region. The project's focus is on decarbonizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and certifying green hydrogen.
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Bitkom survey on AI: future technology or overrated hype?
Both the German population and the economy have a clear opinion on the importance of artificial intelligence (AI). Almost three quarters (73%) of companies consider AI to be the most important technology of the future. In contrast, 26% believe that AI is overrated.
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Hartmann Valves supplies hydrogen project
Hartmann Valves GmbH is supplying around 1,400 ball valves to RWE Gas Storage West GmbH for the GET H2 Nukleus hydrogen project in Gronau-Epe.
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PFAS not fully dispensable according to study
PFAS chemicals are increasingly the focus of criticism. In the USA, a reporting obligation will be introduced in 2026, and in Europe, a far-reaching ban on this group of substances across various industries has even been under discussion since the beginning of last year. A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials is now examining the potential impact of such a ban.
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Update on APL market survey
Ethernet APL is a pioneering technology for the digitalization of the process industry. The availability of field devices and components is one of the key aspects for industrial acceptance and introduction. This article summarizes the results of an updated survey on device availability, which was conducted in cooperation with NAMUR and ZVEI.
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Hydrogen Storage Gronau: RWE Relies on Biotech Expertise
RWE Gas Storage West is planning a commercial hydrogen storage facility in Gronau. The start-up Microbify supports the project with microbiological expertise. The observation of microorganisms aims to optimize operational parameters and prevent potential damage. The storage facility is part of the GET H2 Initiative.
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“Daring to make progress": Chemical summit in Berlin
The Chemical Summit in Berlin was dominated by pressing questions: How can we achieve an economic awakening and progress in Germany? How do we manage the balancing act between competitiveness and sustainability? Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other guests from politics, business and science discussed possible answers with the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
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Germany and Australia sign hydrogen deal: 400 million euros for green energy
The Federal Republic of Germany and Australia have signed an agreement that paves the way for extensive investment in the Australian hydrogen industry. With a financing volume of 400 million euros, the expansion of large-scale plants for the production of green hydrogen in Australia is to be driven forward.
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Food Industry Faces a Challenging Year
In its Economic Report 01|2024, the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE) presents current data and information on the economic situation and development of the industry for the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.
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Global Gas Report 2024 Presented at ONS Energy Conference
The "Global Gas Report 2024" was unveiled at the ONS Energy Conference held from August 26 to 29 in Stavanger, Norway. The report is a collaborative effort among the International Gas Union (IGU), Snam, and Rystad Energy.
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Wind Energy Meets Electrolysis: H₂Mare Tests Offshore H2 Production
The research project H₂Mare is testing the direct connection between wind energy and hydrogen production. A test facility has been commissioned in Denmark for this purpose. The findings are intended to help optimize and reduce the cost of green hydrogen production at sea.
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VCI quarterly report shows mixed figures for the German chemical industry
The difficult environment continues to cause difficulties for the chemical-pharmaceutical industry. This was reported by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) in its quarterly report. The German industry has cut back production and reduced orders for chemicals in the past three months, which is why the recovery lost momentum in the second quarter.
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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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Planning the next steps for the “Augusta” gas transport pipeline
bayernets GmbH is currently planning the next steps for the AUGUSTA gas transport pipeline. At the end of July, work is currently underway to expand the existing Wertingen compressor station, where the AUGUSTA gas transport pipeline will be integrated into the transport network in future.
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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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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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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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