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Latest news from the metal industry

EU Supports Major Hydrogen Project on German-Polish Border
The European Union is supporting an ambitious German-Polish hydrogen project in Western Pomerania. PNE AG is planning to produce up to one gigawatt of green hydrogen for both countries in the region. The EU Commission has now approved funding of 190,000 euros through its executive agency CINEA for initial feasibility studies.
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ZVEI's "Digital Ecosystems & Smart Services" (DESS) platform launched
With the new Digital Ecosystems & Smart Services (DESS) platform, the ZVEI is providing decisive impetus for the digital transformation of the industry. The aim of the initiative is to strengthen dialogue between companies and drive forward the integration of IT and OT.
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Two valve manufacturers focus on new production
Expansion is essential for many companies these days. For example, two manufacturers of industrial valves have recently invested in new production facilities. One of them is even located in India.
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Hydrogen Infrastructure in Europe Needed Even at Low Demand
A recent study by the Fraunhofer Excellence Cluster Integrated Energy Systems (CINES) shows that Europe must build extensive hydrogen infrastructure - even at low demand. European domestic production could cover up to 90 percent of the demand. The research forecasts a demand between 700 and 2,800 terawatt hours.
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Autumn slump in German mechanical engineering
The German mechanical and plant engineering industry is facing a turbulent autumn. All key indicators, including economic expectations, sales forecasts and capacity utilisation, point to a continued deterioration in the industry. This is shown by the latest mechanical engineering barometer from PwC Germany.
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German companies invest 10 billion euros in cybersecurity for the first time
Germany is responding to the growing threat of cyberattacks with a record investment in cybersecurity: for the first time, more than 10 billion euros are being invested in protection against digital risks.
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EU Awards Grants from Innovation Fund for Net-Zero Projects
As part of the Innovation Fund, the EU is supporting numerous projects. The European Commission has selected 85 net-zero projects for funding. With a record sum of €4.8 billion, the projects are expected to achieve massive CO2 savings by 2030.
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International valve manufacturers decide to co-operate
Two leading companies in the international fittings industry, Bray International and Aquestia, have entered into a strategic partnership for the coming years. The aim of the co-operation is to jointly exploit their respective strengths in distribution and sales.
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BNetzA Approves Germany's H2 Core Network Infrastructure
The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has approved the construction of Germany's hydrogen core network. 25 network operators plan to build a 9,040-kilometer network by 2032. The costs amount to 18.9 billion euros.
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ZVEI lowers business expectations for the electrical and digital industry
The ZVEI has once again lowered its annual forecast following a recent survey of its members. The German Electrical and Digital Manufacturers' Association now expects production to decline by 7% in 2024, compared to a 2% drop at the beginning of the year.
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VCI, ZVEI and NAMUR have launched the Process-X data room initiative
The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI) and NAMUR have jointly announced the launch of Process-X. This initiative aims to promote solutions that support the sustainable use of data rooms in the process industry.
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75% of Germans are in favour of an EU-wide PFAS ban
The perpetual chemicals PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) could be banned in Europe in the coming years. However, environmentalists, politicians and industry representatives are arguing about a possible ban. The population in Germany, on the other hand, has a clear opinion on the subject.
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European Hydrogen Infrastructure: Ruhr Region Initiative Calls for Implementation
A group of stakeholders from the Ruhr region has published a strategy paper on European hydrogen supply. The document emphasizes the importance of rapid implementation of the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB), a concept for a Europe-wide hydrogen network.
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New VDMA President comes from the valve industry
Family entrepreneur Bertram Kawlath from Ingolstadt was elected as the new President of the VDMA for the next four years by the VDMA General Assembly in Wiesbaden. He takes over from Karl Haeusgen (HAWE Hydraulik SE), who has served as President since 2020.
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Extending the Lifespan of Battery Cells
By 2030, more than 100 million electric vehicles are expected to be on roads worldwide. To make e-mobility more sustainable for the future, nearly all manufacturers are focusing on increasing range and reducing charging times. A key area of development is high-performance battery cells.
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EU Commission Announces Conditions for Second Hydrogen Auction
The EU Commission has published the conditions for the second auction of the Hydrogen Bank. From December 2024, producers can bid for funding of up to 1.2 billion euros. The auction aims to strengthen the European market for renewable hydrogen.
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ZEW study: Pandemic does not have a positive impact on digitalization
Contrary to general perception, the Covid-19 pandemic has not given digitalization in Germany the boost it had hoped for, according to a survey conducted by the ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research in Mannheim.
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HydroNet Launch: Sauerland Focuses on Hydrogen
The HydroNet project has been launched in Sauerland. Over the next five years, a regional hydrogen economy will be developed in the Arnsberg region. The project's focus is on decarbonizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and certifying green hydrogen.
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Bitkom survey on AI: future technology or overrated hype?
Both the German population and the economy have a clear opinion on the importance of artificial intelligence (AI). Almost three quarters (73%) of companies consider AI to be the most important technology of the future. In contrast, 26% believe that AI is overrated.
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Hartmann Valves supplies hydrogen project
Hartmann Valves GmbH is supplying around 1,400 ball valves to RWE Gas Storage West GmbH for the GET H2 Nukleus hydrogen project in Gronau-Epe.
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PFAS not fully dispensable according to study
PFAS chemicals are increasingly the focus of criticism. In the USA, a reporting obligation will be introduced in 2026, and in Europe, a far-reaching ban on this group of substances across various industries has even been under discussion since the beginning of last year. A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials is now examining the potential impact of such a ban.
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Update on APL market survey
Ethernet APL is a pioneering technology for the digitalization of the process industry. The availability of field devices and components is one of the key aspects for industrial acceptance and introduction. This article summarizes the results of an updated survey on device availability, which was conducted in cooperation with NAMUR and ZVEI.
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Hydrogen Storage Gronau: RWE Relies on Biotech Expertise
RWE Gas Storage West is planning a commercial hydrogen storage facility in Gronau. The start-up Microbify supports the project with microbiological expertise. The observation of microorganisms aims to optimize operational parameters and prevent potential damage. The storage facility is part of the GET H2 Initiative.
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Germany and Australia sign hydrogen deal: 400 million euros for green energy
The Federal Republic of Germany and Australia have signed an agreement that paves the way for extensive investment in the Australian hydrogen industry. With a financing volume of 400 million euros, the expansion of large-scale plants for the production of green hydrogen in Australia is to be driven forward.
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“Daring to make progress": Chemical summit in Berlin
The Chemical Summit in Berlin was dominated by pressing questions: How can we achieve an economic awakening and progress in Germany? How do we manage the balancing act between competitiveness and sustainability? Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other guests from politics, business and science discussed possible answers with the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
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