Survey on electroplating technology in the H2 economy

The German Society for Electroplating and Surface Technology (DGO) conducted a survey among companies in the sector as part of the Surface Technology Days in Leipzig to determine the industry's demand for electroplating processes for applications in the hydrogen economy. The results show that there is a strong belief that electroplating technology will have a major impact in the hydrogen economy in the future. Some applications are already established or in demand.

In order to determine the current and expected future demand for electroplating processes for applications in the hydrogen economy within the industry, the DGO conducted a survey using a questionnaire. A total of 55 representatives from various bodies took part in the survey, including 16 electroplating companies, nine chemical and process suppliers and five research institutes. The remaining 25 participants came from customer industries and the electroplating supply industry.

Results of the industry survey

The graphical excerpt from the survey results shows a pronounced awareness of the increasing importance of electroplating processes for the hydrogen economy within the industry, which is accompanied or supported by a high number of customer inquiries within the supply chains, among other things. However, only a small proportion of the value creation potential has been realized by companies to date.

Fig. 1: Looking to the future, over 80% of participants are overwhelmingly convinced that the hydrogen economy will have a strong or moderate impact (graphics: DGO)

Fig. 2: Almost half of the respondents stated that there are already corresponding inquiries for applications of the hydrogen economy in electroplating companies

Fig. 3: However, only just over a third of companies have actually established such applications

Respondents were asked about the importance of electroplating processes for applications in the hydrogen economy in the future (Fig. 1). The DGO also wanted to know whether there were already customer inquiries regarding the use of electroplating processes for applications in the hydrogen economy (Fig. 2). Finally, it was asked specifically whether electroplating processes for applications in the hydrogen economy are already established in day-to-day operations (Fig. 3).

Growth of the hydrogen economy in Germany

Looking at the current situation, it can be seen that the growth of the hydrogen economy in Germany is still being hampered by a number of factors that combine to create a complex overall challenge. The most important factors are

• High production costs:
  Green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energies such as wind or solar power through electrolysis, is currently more expensive than conventional fossil fuels. The price difference makes it less attractive for companies to switch to hydrogen technologies.
• Lack of infrastructure:
  The development of a nationwide hydrogen infrastructure, such as pipelines, filling stations or storage capacities, is cost-intensive and still inadequate in Germany. The development of this infrastructure is delaying the widespread use of hydrogen.
• Regulatory uncertainty:
  The legal framework for the hydrogen economy is complex and not yet fully developed. Uncertainties regarding funding measures, tax incentives and long-term political support make investment decisions difficult.
• Availability of renewable energies:
  The expansion of renewable energy is not progressing fast enough to produce the required amount of green hydrogen. Without sufficient access to renewable energy, the production of green hydrogen is limited.
• Lack of scaling:
  The hydrogen market is still relatively small in Germany and worldwide. Without large-scale scaling, the necessary economies of scale to reduce production and operating costs are lacking.
• Technological challenges:
  The storage and transportation of hydrogen continue to pose technological challenges. Hydrogen is a very light and volatile gas, which requires special technologies and safety precautions.
• Competition with other technologies:
  The hydrogen sector competes with other sustainable energy technologies, such as battery electric. In some applications, such as road transportation, battery-powered solutions are considered more efficient and cost-effective.
• International dependencies:
  Germany will probably have to import large quantities of hydrogen to meet its own demand. This leads to dependencies on other countries and their hydrogen production, which entails uncertainties.