Burckhardt Compression in Winterthur laid the groundbreaking for the construction of a hydrogen test facility. It will serve the further development of sealing technologies and solutions for hydrogen refueling stations for heavy-duty vehicles.

Burckhardt Compression is one of the finalists selected by Shell New Energies as a partner for the development of oil-free high-pressure hydrogen compressors. Burckhardt Compression’s solutions for export and refueling applications will enable the compression of hydrogen gas up to 900 bar (as a booster) using non-lubricated compressors.

Fabrice Billard, CEO Burckhardt Compression: “Hydrogen is an energy carrier with considerable potential, especially for heavy-duty applications. We are pleased to continue researching these technologies together with Shell New Energies in order to contribute to the energy transition and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Our teams, together with Shell New Energies, have successfully completed the first technical milestones of the project and this new facility will allow us to test and optimize the new compressors before launch.”

The test facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2022/early 2023, with testing to be completed by the end of the same year.