• Leading manufacturer of oil-free compressors enters partnership with Voith
• Project focuses on development, manufacturing and marketing of compressors for hydrogen applications
• Voith secures access to technology and contributes its expertise from the oil and gas industry

Mehrer Compression GmbH, a Balingen, Baden-Württemberg-based specialist in products for compressing process gases, and Heidenheim-based technology group Voith are combining their expertise to advance sustainable technologies for reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and developing, manufacturing and marketing more environmentally friendly and sustainable compressors for hydrogen (H₂) applications.

The family-run business Mehrer, a so-called hidden champion when it comes to oil-free compression, brings more than 130 years of know-how to this cooperation. The roots of the Voith family-owned business, which was founded in 1867 and has extensive oil and gas experience in markets around the globe, go back even further. Voith will contribute its extensive knowledge in the scale-up and industrial-scale manufacturing of solutions.

For years, the topics of sustainability and CO₂ reduction at various levels have been integral parts of Voith’s corporate culture. This is reflected in, among other things, the development of a ready-to-install plug and drive H₂ storage system for heavy-duty vehicles, which has been approved for use on European roads since December 2023.

Voith is currently entering into a joint venture with the Chinese automotive supplier Weifu High-Technology Group to market the technology worldwide.

In the field of H₂ compression, Voith has now identified several fields of application for the future. The focus of development is on solutions for pipeline compression, trailer filling and filling station infrastructure. With its in-house hydraulic systems, Voith has in-depth drive know-how in the field of hydraulic H₂ compression. The focus of the cooperation with Mehrer will be on the development of high-pressure H₂ solutions up to 900 bar to supplement the Voith portfolio with mechanical compressors for H₂ applications.

The expertise of the two companies will play a big part in enabling them to increase the efficiency and safety of H₂ compression while improving the ecological footprint.

“The partnership with Mehrer Compression represents a significant step in our strategy to develop new, innovative and sustainable solutions for the industry,” explains Dr. Ralf Geßlein, CEO Voith Turbo Industry. “As a family business with over 150 years of history, we are passionate about developing technologies that support the transition to renewable energies and at the same time offer maximum efficiency.”