The zero-emission division of Cummins is expanding its hydrogen fuel cell production capabilities in Germany
Cummins’ zero-emission division Accelera has opened a new manufacturing line at its Fuel Cell Systems Production Center in Herten, Germany. The new line produces proton exchange membrane (PEM) stacks and fuel cell modules that can be used for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, including trains, buses and trucks, helping to further establish the site as a clean technology hub in Germany.
“The launch of our new fuel cell production line in Herten is an exciting development in Accelera’s ongoing commitment to providing green hydrogen solutions for our customers,” said Dawn Wehr, General Manager of Fuel Cells for Accelera. “By supporting the local economy through job creation and community investment, we’re continuing to accelerate the advancement of clean, heavy-duty transportation options throughout Germany and Europe.”
Since opening the Herten site in November 2021, Accelera has created more than 100 new jobs invested more than $15 million. “We are very pleased about this next step just two years after the start of initial fuel cell system production. It is a milestone in Herten’s efforts to become an important location for hydrogen technology,” said Mayor of Herten Matthias Müller.
“In order to remain an enticing and competitive industrial location in the future, we in North Rhine-Westphalia need to invest in sustainable, future-oriented processes and products,” added Mona Neubaur, Deputy Premier and Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine Westphalia. “The establishment of a new production line for stacks and fuel cell modules by Accelera in Herten is a significant step in the evolution of the hydrogen economy and the drive for revolution in our state, proving that it is worthwhile for international companies to invest in the northern Ruhr region. Commitments like these are valuable and create good, high-quality jobs.”
Home to production, testing, research and development, Accelera’s Herten site assembles and tests fuel cell systems in-house before customer delivery.
Hartmut Höppner, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, commented: “We will only achieve the climate targets for the transport sector with climate-friendly drivetrains. The opening of the fuel cell production line in Herten brings us closer to this goal. The fuel cells produced here are urgently needed in heavy goods transport to reduce CO2 emissions. With this line, the city of Herten will become an important location for hydrogen-based, climate-neutral logistics.”
