Bulgarian firm Hydrogenera gets electrolyzer order from Volkswagen

Hydrogenera will integrate its electrolyzer with a gas burner at Volkswagen Poznań’s automotive factory in western Poland with the aim of cutting the consumption of the fuel as well as related emissions by up to 30%. The produced hydrogen and oxygen would both be utilized within the system, the Bulgarian company said.

Hydrogenera, which was listed on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) in July, is one of the few companies in Southeastern Europe designing and manufacturing proprietary equipment for cutting-edge energy technologies. Its parent company Green Innovation recently became Volkswagen’s authorised supplier and obtained the giant automotive giant’s Sustainability Rating, setting the stage for a new order.

In addition to mixing it with gas for combustion, industrial producers are gradually introducing hydrogen and electrolyzers into other processes. Collaboration is underway with Volkswagen Poznań for a hydrogen-oxygen system at the carmaker’s plant in Września, in western Poland.

Hydrogenera explained that the challenge is to enhance the combustion efficiency of a natural gas burner with 1.5 MW in nameplate capacity. The 90 kW electrolyzer would operate as a non-intrusive add-on to the existing equipment – not affecting installations, automation or safety systems, according to the update.

Oxygen produced in the electrolyzer will be utilized as well, improving combustion

Hydrogen and oxygen are supplied separately to optimize the flame. Hydrogen is mixed with natural gas directly before the burner, while oxygen is introduced into the air stream directed to the combustion chamber. It enables complete fuel combustion, minimizing losses, Hydrogenera said.

The company claimed the solution can reduce fuel consumption by 30%, alongside a corresponding cut in emissions at the facility near Poznań.

Of note, green or renewable hydrogen is produced using electricity only from renewable sources, therefore without greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Innovation has raised BGN 7.96 million (EUR 4.1 million) in the initial public offering in Sofia. Its market capitalization has slipped 2% to BGN 92.1 million (EUR 47.1 million) since listing on July 29 under the ticker HYDR.