Swiss Pavilion at the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo
Swiss companies presented their cutting-edge technology at the World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo
The Embassy of Switzerland in Japan and Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), with support of the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka / Swissnex in Japan, organized a Swiss Pavilion to present cutting-edge Swiss hydrogen technology at the World Smart Energy Week/ International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo at Tokyo Big Sight, from February 28 to March 01 with about 70’000 visitors.
As part of the World Smart Energy Week, the International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo (H2 & FC EXPO) is a leading international exhibition showcasing various technologies, components, materials, devices and finished fuel cells for hydrogen and fuel cell R&D and manufacturing, taking place twice a year in the Tokyo area (March and September).
In recent years, as governments around the world have been forced to respond to climate change, hydrogen has attracted attention as an important part of the solution, and is positioned as one of the priority areas in Japan’s Green Growth Strategy.
Switzerland is an innovation hub, which brings together companies and scientists that develop know-how and new technologies in the hydrogen industry, and strives to create a green hydrogen ecosystem in the mobility sector to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
In Switzerland, similar to Japan, hydrogen is seen as an important pillar in the development of the decarbonization of the economy in the coming years. Switzerland has a large number of innovative start-ups and well-established SMEs that offer cutting-edge hydrogen and fuel cell technology, backed by the country’s unique “Switzerland Innovation” ecosystem, which provides excellent cooperation between industry and the country’s higher education sector.
In addition, after the exhibition, the Swiss exhibitors were able to participate in a reception event at the Swiss Ambassador’s residence serving as a unique platform for the companies to creating opportunities for fruitful connections with key industry figures.
Exhibiting companies and start-ups
The Swiss pavilion hosted the following 9 exhibiting companies and start-ups, accompanied by the presence of the Swiss industry association CleantechAlps as well as Swissnex, the global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research and innovation.
Beyond Scroll, a deep-tech startup based in Lausanne, is on a mission to revolutionize compression technology and pave the way for a sustainable future. Specializing in oil-free scroll compressors that leverage their patented technology, they address the challenges of low-pressure hydrogen compression (1 to 30 bar). Their compressors are a critical component in the green hydrogen supply chain, essential for enhancing the efficiency and affordability of green hydrogen production via electrolysers. By reducing their operating pressure, Beyond Scroll's technology can decrease electrolysers' CAPEX by up to 25%.
Faster, smaller, lighter and more efficient: The Swiss high-tech company Celeroton AG is the leading manufacturer of ultra-high-speed turbo compressors and electrical drive systems for fuel cell applications. Celeroton’s oil-free turbo compressors provide air supply and hydrogen recirculation solutions with the highest energy efficiency at the lowest volume and weight thanks to its cutting-edge gas bearings, motors and converters. With all system expertise under one roof, Celeroton connects the different interdisciplinary technology areas to create one functioning and optimized overall system.
CleantechAlps created on the initiative of the cantons of western Switzerland, is the force driving regional and national activities to promote the development of the cleantech sector in Switzerland. It fosters cooperation between the country’s economy and academic and public sectors and gives stakeholders greater visibility, providing them with access to networks. As a technology generalist and a specialist in cleantech innovation systems, CleantechAlps can put customers in touch with the most appropriate contact for their needs.
GF is a Swiss-based leading provider of machine tools for precision components and mold-making in automotive, energy, aerospace, medical and ICT market segments. The broad portfolio ranges from conventional milling and EDM to advanced manufacturing such as laser texturing, laser mi-cromachining, and 3DPrinting. Additionally, they offer spindles, automation, tooling, and digitalized solutions backed by unrivaled customer services and support. The products and services enable customers to achieve precise, energy-efficient, and clean manufacturing.
Imerys Graphite & Carbon JAPAN K.K.
Imerys Graphite & Carbon is part of the Imerys Group, a world leader in manufacturing industrial mineral solutions. Carbon materials manufactured at manufacturing sites in Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and Japan continue to lead innovation in the lithium-ion battery, fuel cell, and alkaline battery markets.
KELLER is the world leading manufacturer of electronic pressure sensing instruments on piezo-resistive technology basis. They are the specialist and experienced advisor for specific application case. For the challenging pressure medium Hydrogen, they have fit-for-purpose solutions for a sustainable investment.
Neology Hydrogen SA is developing an on-vehicle ammonia cracking technology that cracks ammonia into hydrogen, allowing commercial transportation to fully embrace hydrogen energy and fuel-cell systems. This enables zero-emission vehicles by leveraging the benefits of ammonia as a carbon-free, liquid, and easy-to-handle hydrogen energy carrier (energy vector), solving hydrogen storage and distribution challenges. The same technology can also be applied in stationary applications, allowing for compact and decentralized hydrogen supply to hydrogen refuelling stations, manufacturing industries, and power generation.
Established in 1897, Sécheron SA is renowned in electrification and power conversion domains. World known for its innovative railway products, Sécheron also offers a wide portfolio of Power Conversion products, including AC/DC, DC/DC and AC/AC converters. Sécheron is particularly active in the Green Hydrogen domain, providing complete Power Supply units that include Transformers and Controlled Rectifiers. The state-of-the-art Power Conversion products feature IGBT Active Front End and Diode Front End converters, enabling highly efficient power supply for various types of Electrolysers.
As experts in the manufacture of solenoid valves, the company has relied on close partnerships for over 60 years and is constantly researching new solutions to meet the requirements of dynamic markets such as hydrogen refueling and storage. Technical superiority, sustainability, durability and sophisticated aftermarket support are some of the keywords Eugen Seitz AG can be described with. Customers around the world rely on Seitz products for mission-critical applications.
Founded in 1939, Studer Cables AG is a Swiss solutions provider of secure and high-quality energy and data transmission systems. The range includes cables for the energy and infrastructure sector, industrial cables, cables for rail vehicles and airport infrastructure, as well as e-mobility and related services. Significant expertise also exists in cross-linking through electron beams. The products and services of Studer Cables AG make a substantial contribution to human and environmental safety, the enhancement of energy efficiency, and the improvement of sustainability.
Trafag is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-quality sensors and monitoring devices for pressure, temperature and SF6 gas density. Trafag was founded in 1942 and is based in Switzerland. The company has an extensive distribution and service network in over 40 countries worldwide. High-performance development and production departments not only guarantee the fast and reliable delivery of the high-quality and high-precision products, but also ensure that customizations can be implemented in no time at all.
Swissnex is Switzerland's global network for science, technology, innovation, and education. Connecting Swiss innovators with international partners, Swissnex fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange to drive forward groundbreaking hydrogen initiatives.
Zeochem is a premier global manufacturer of high-quality molecular sieves used in PSA hydrogen purification. With the roots in Switzerland, it has a culture of quality and customer service. As such, Zeochem provides excellent, responsive service, high-quality products, and the expertise to help customers find the product and service solutions for their hydrogen purification needs. With manufacturing facilities in Louisville, KY, USA and Donghai, China, Zeochem offers a range of high-performance products and global support for you to choose from.
More information about the Swiss Pavilion and the exhibiting companies: