PEM to Develop Hydrogen Infrastructure for Mining Sector

Why It Matters

Hydrogen‑based power could decarbonise heavy‑duty mining equipment, reducing emissions and operating costs while meeting stricter climate regulations. Successful validation would provide a replicable blueprint for green‑hydrogen adoption across energy‑intensive industries.

Key Takeaways

• €1.1 million funded by German federal ministry
• Hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable mine water
• Digital twins optimize hydrogen infrastructure for mining
• System benchmarked against battery‑electric and overhead‑line solutions
• Consortium includes Fraunhofer IWU, N+P, HYDAC, sand mining firms

Pulse Analysis

The mining industry is one of the most energy‑intensive sectors, traditionally powered by diesel generators and coal‑derived electricity. As climate regulations tighten, operators are forced to explore zero‑emission alternatives that can meet the high power demand of haul trucks, crushers and ventilation systems. The “DigHy” project, led by the Production Engineering of E‑Mobility Components (PEM) chair at RWTH Aachen, tackles this challenge by designing a fully digitalised hydrogen ecosystem specifically for underground and surface mines. Leveraging renewable electricity generated from treated mine water, the initiative aims to produce green hydrogen on‑site, thereby cutting transport costs and emissions.

At the core of DigHy is an integrated value chain that links electrolysis, compression, storage and fuel‑cell propulsion within a single control architecture. The project employs digital twins to simulate fluid dynamics, load profiles and maintenance cycles, enabling real‑time optimisation of hydrogen’s production rates and distribution logistics. By testing prototype fuel‑cell trucks in actual mining conditions, the consortium can compare hydrogen’s energy efficiency and total cost of ownership against battery‑electric haulage, overhead‑line power and the emerging In‑Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC) concept. Early results are expected to demonstrate superior range and faster refuelling for heavy‑duty equipment.

DigHy’s €1.1 million federal backing underscores Germany’s strategic push to commercialise green‑hydrogen solutions for heavy industry. If the pilot succeeds, the model can be replicated across Europe’s coal‑rich basins, offering a scalable pathway to decarbonise legacy assets without massive infrastructure overhauls. The collaboration between RWTH Aachen, Fraunhofer IWU, N+P and industrial partners such as HYDAC also illustrates how academia‑driven research can accelerate market adoption, potentially reshaping the economics of mining logistics and influencing policy incentives for low‑carbon fuel adoption.