

Pioneering LOHC integration with SOFC
In collaboration with Bosch and several strategic partners, we at Hydrogenious are deploying hydrogen-based energy for Hermann Josef Hospital (HJK) in Erkelenz, Germany. This showcase project, supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research, brings together our Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology and Bosch’s Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) to provide HJK with clean, reliable electricity and heat. By the end of 2026, we aim to demonstrate a blueprint for the future of energy supply for critical infrastructure worldwide.
Commissioning
2026
Hydrogen release capacity
7.5t per year
Hydrogen quality
ISO 14 687-2

For us, the collaboration with Bosch as part of the Multi-SOFC project at HJK Erkelenz is not only a contribution to a sustainable energy supply in the region, but also an impressive demonstration of synergies that can be achieved by combining innovative technologies. The LOHC technology allows the comparatively simple and safe transportation and storage of hydrogen, even in the vicinity of critical urban infrastructures such as a hospital. Its use in conjunction with Bosch’s SOFC technology represents a promising blueprint that can be scaled up further in the future.

Reducing emissions with clean hydrogen
The Multi-SOFC project is set to provide a steady, climate-friendly energy supply, reduce HJK’s carbon emissions by up to 40%, and serve as a global model for hydrogen technology integration. The initial phase of the project focuses on achieving high energy efficiency. The SOFC system, developed by Bosch, is expected to achieve up to 60% electrical efficiency, even when operating on natural gas—significantly reducing emissions from day one. Our LOHC technology will be fully integrated by 2026, allowing the system to operate primarily on hydrogen and further improve the hospital’s carbon footprint. We are able to utilize the waste heat of the SOFC in the hydrogen release process to significantly boost the overall system efficiency.
Project Phases and Technology Integration
Phase 1 (Mid-2023): Bosch’s SOFC system, comprising 10 units generating 100 kW, will initially operate on natural gas, achieving substantial efficiency improvements over conventional gas engines and reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 150 metric tons annually.
Phase 2 (2026): Hydrogenious will integrate our LOHC system to supply hydrogen directly to the SOFC. The system’s heat will activate a dehydrogenation unit on-site, releasing hydrogen from the LOHC and delivering it into the SOFC. This setup not only maximizes the SOFC’s efficiency but also showcases the symbiotic potential of combining LOHC with SOFC for continuous, clean energy production.

A Model for Sustainable Energy Infrastructure
As a major research project in Germany’s Rhenish Revier, the Multi-SOFC project is part of a broader regional effort to demonstrate scalable hydrogen technologies for climate-friendly energy transition and regional economic revitalization. In partnership with the Helmholtz Hydrogen Cluster HC-H2, we’re committed to proving the long-term value of LOHC for hydrogen distribution. Our project is designed to meet half of HJK’s base energy needs, establishing a framework for large-scale hydrogen integration in healthcare and other critical infrastructure.
By combining LOHC and SOFC technologies, we are paving the way for resilient, climate-friendly energy systems. The Multi-SOFC project will serve as a globally visible demonstration of its potential to power large, energy-intensive facilities sustainably, reliably, and affordably.
Project partners

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. The company contributes to the demo project with its innovative SOFC technology.

The Helmholtz-Cluster Wasserstoff contributes to the structural change in the Rheinish ming area towards a future-proof region based on hydrogen technology.

The Hermann-Josef Hospital in Erkelenz is ideal to show how the energy supply of the future of a critical infrastructure works using hydrogen technology.
Press & media
Press Release
Hydrogen supply at the Hermann-Josef hospital Erkelenz launched
Video
climate-friendly energy supply at the Hermann-Josef hospital Erkelenz