FIBA Technologies attended the 2023 edition of the Hyvolution exhibition and conference in Paris recently and found that as usual a key focus was on the availability of hydrogen pressure vessels.
Whereas at past Hyvolution events the audience has been global, the 2023 exhibition very much focused on what is happening in Europe. Visitors from the North and South America were in the minority, while delegates from the Middle and Far East and from Australasia were also scarce.
For FIBA, Hyvolution remains a key event as it gives the company the opportunity to speak directly with customers and potential customers that are often looking for the first time at hydrogen pressure vessels for their storage needs.
Europe Builds Demand
We have spoken before about the surge of interest in hydrogen pressure vessels from South East Asia, but in Europe there also is a growing commitment from governments and leading industrial players towards a steady build-up of the much-needed hydrogen infrastructure.
As elsewhere, Europe will see heavy duty vehicles lead the way, with delivery and forklift trucks and other industrial uses being to the fore. And, as elsewhere, the development of the refueling infrastructure will require storage manufacturers to increase their output to satisfy demand.
FIBA Technologies takes this responsibility seriously and is investing in improving its manufacturing capacities with $multimillion investments in technology and site upgrades.
550 Bar Pressure Vessel Becomes the Norm
In Europe there had been the expectation that 1,000 bar hydrogen pressure vessels would be required, and FIBA became the first supplier able to fulfil need. More recently, 550 bar ground storage facilities have become the norm. FIBA supplies a full range of sizes and pressure solutions on a global basis.
At Hyvolution 2023, there was again a debate as to the need to develop a standardised approach to all aspects of the H2 industry, from the manufacture of the fuel itself to storage and on to delivery.
FIBA is at the forefront of developing and promoting the most economic and safe hydrogen pressure vessels and this was a key theme to the company’s presence at this year’s excellent Hyvolution event.