20. October 2025in Lectures, Meet AMBARtec

Online webinar ‘Hydrogen in the chemical industry’


Online webinar ‘Hydrogen in the chemical industry’
30 October 2025, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
with Matthias Rudloff, CEO AMBARtec

Hydrogen is one of the most important raw materials in the chemical industry. This webinar will explore various ways in which processes in the industry can be made more climate-friendly while reducing costs.  

Switching energy supply – even partially – to hydrogen
Companies do not have to wait until the hydrogen grid is in place to do this. With AMBARtec's partner network, they can already obtain hydrogen at competitive prices from 2026 onwards – without having to make costly adjustments to their existing infrastructure.  

Making economic use of existing hydrogen
Various industries and research institutions produce hydrogen that is currently released into the environment unused for technical or economic reasons. With the help of AMBARtec storage systems, it is possible to collect this hydrogen and to re-use it without major refitting.  

Refining high-energy residual gases into hydrogen
Numerous industrial processes produce residual gases, which are currently only used for energy purposes, with high CO2 emissions or complex exhaust gas aftertreatment. However, based on the iron-steam process, these residual gases can also be used to produce high-quality hydrogen.  

In the webinar, participants will learn more about the technological base and how it could be implemented in inustrial companies.

The event is organised by the North-East Section of the German Chemical Industry Association (Verband der Chemischen Industrie e. V.) and the HYPOS Association, with the kind support of the Saxony Trade & Invest Corporation.  

The webinar will be held in German. Participation is free of charge. Registration is required to receive the access details:

Register here

Pressekontakt:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

E-Mail: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

20. October 2025in Fairs & Exhibitions, Meet AMBARtec

Hydrogen Technology Expo: AMBARtec enables CHP operators to partially switch to hydrogen


A first step towards climate-neutral municipal heat supply.
DRESDEN, 17 October – At the Hydrogen Technology Expo (21–23 October) in Hamburg, AMBARtec will show how municipal utilities can run their combined heat and power plants (CHP) partially with hydrogen at low cost, thereby greatly reducing their CO2 emissions. This can be done by mixing hydrogen with natural gas. It works thanks to iron oxide hydrogen storage systems. No infrastructure conversion is required. Visitors to the AMBARtec stand in Hall 2, Stand E15, can find out how they can convert their power plants.

20% hydrogen without changing how energy is produced.
'You can add up to 20% hydrogen to natural gas without having to replace the gas engines you already have,' says Matthias Rudloff, the CEO of AMBARtec. 'Our iron oxide-based storage systems are not classified as hazardous materials, so there is no need for them to undergo lengthy approval procedures or to have additional special safety measures in place. Operators of CHP plants only need a discharging unit; the hydrogen is delivered to them in containers via iron nuggets.'

Keep operating costs stable
Adding a maximum of 20% hydrogen has only a very minor impact on operating costs. It is also possible to purchase low-cost hydrogen from AMBARtec's partner network, which is currently significantly cheaper than electrolysis hydrogen. This is recycled hydrogen from a closed-loop system: Numerous companies and research institutions produce hydrogen that is released into the environment unused for technological and economic reasons. AMBARtec's storage systems can absorb it and in this way the hydrogen can bei reused safely and cost-effectively.  

Achieving sustainability goals
The gradual conversion of municipal heat supply to climate-friendly hydrogen makes a substantial contribution to enabling cities and municipalities to meet their sustainability obligations. ‘By adding hydrogen in a first step, municipal energy suppliers can also gain initial experience with this energy source without fundamentally changing their operating procedures or requiring high investments. The iron nuggets are transported in conventional 20-foot containers by truck. This means that every municipal utility can be reached easily and quickly,’ says Matthias Rudloff, pointing out further advantages.  

About AMBARtec:  
AMBARtec AG, based in Dresden, is an innovation leader in the field of iron oxide-based hydrogen storage systems. The process consists of the reduction and oxidation of iron oxide or iron: During storage, the added hydrogen reduces the iron oxide storage medium. The vapor released in the process can be reused in electrolysis. During discharge, water vapour is added to the storage unit at the point of use. This causes the iron to oxidise, releasing hydrogen.

The results of multi-stage practical tests at the demonstration plant in Freiberg confirm the excellent energy balance of the entire process, from hydrogen production to storage unit filling, transport and discharge of the hydrogen. Optimum system integration of high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC) enables efficiencies of more than 80 per cent to be achieved. The possible applications of the AMBARtec storage system range from highly efficient energy storage to the safe transport of hydrogen, even over long distances, and hydrogen drives in shipping.

In collaboration with Rouge H2 Engineering AG, AMBARtec also offers an alternative process based on iron oxide nuggets to produce high-purity hydrogen from dirty gases such as blast furnace gases and synthesis gases from biogenic residues or sewage sludge. Together with CCS/U, this steam-iron process could make steelworks climate-neutral at a reasonable cost.

Press contact:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

E-Mail: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

24. September 2025in About AMBARtec

The Path to a Climate-Neutral Steel Mill. Interview with AMBARtec, Part II


The success of the German steel industry in decarbonising its production processes depends on the technological processes involved. In the first part of the marketSTEEL interview, AMBARtec CEO Matthias Rudloff presented the iron-steam process as a cost-effective and less labour-intensive alternative to direct reduction.  

However, economic policy conditions also play a decisive role. Dagmar Dieterle, editor and founder of the information platform, asked Matthias Rudloff for his assessment on this topic as well.  

Read the current part of the interview here. (only available in German).  

The first part of the interview, published in July, can be read here.  
31. July 2025in About AMBARtec

The Path to a Climate-Neutral Steel Mill. Interview with AMBARtec


The German steel industry faces the challenging task of decarbonising its production processes. However, previous strategies, such as direct reduction with hydrogen, have various disadvantages. The iron-steam process is a cost-effective alternative that can be implemented with significantly less effort.

Dagmar Dieterle, editor and founder of marketSTEEL — the information platform for the steel and metal industry — spoke with Matthias Rudloff, CEO of AMBARtec, about this topic.  

Read the first part of the interview here (only available in German).  

The second part will be published at the end of September.  
10. July 2025in Press Release

Cooperation between AMBARtec AG and Rouge H2 Engineering AG – solutions for climate-neutral steelworks

AMBARtec and Rouge H2 Engineering are developing processes for climate-friendly steel production. The new technology can soon be used with little effort - without costly conversions in the process chain.  

Dresden, 10 July 2025 – AMBARtec and Rouge H2 Engineering are set to collaborate closely in the future to bring the chemical looping hydrogen process to market maturity. This process can be used to produce clean hydrogen and concentrated carbon dioxide from blast furnace gas and other steel mill gases. It is based on the steam-iron process, which can be used to produce high-purity hydrogen by reducing and oxidising iron oxide or iron nuggets. The highly concentrated CO₂ obtained can be effectively utilised in CCU or CCS processes.  

The Chemical Looping Hydrogen process
This two-stage process uses iron oxide (FeOx) to convert carbon-containing gas mixtures into hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). ‘Our collaboration aims to optimise the process for blast furnace gases and implement it in steelworks,’ reports Uwe Pahl, Chief Technology Officer at AMBARtec. Blast furnace gas, coke oven gas and converter gas can thus be processed to generate high-quality hydrogen. The high-purity carbon dioxide produced during this process can be utilised as a material (CCU) or stored (CCS). The precondition for this green transformation of the steel industry is that the CCS Act, which is currently being revised, must authorise the storage of CO2 from the steel industry. 'This gives the steel industry the chance to make its production more climate-friendly without having to invest heavily in converting the entire process chain. This will ensure that steel production in Europe remains competitive despite the stringent climate protection requirements,’ emphasises Uwe Pahl   

Partner from the steel industry
The EU project H2Loop* provides the framework for this cooperation. ‘We are combining our expertise in iron oxide nuggets and our experience in plant operation with the knowledge of our colleagues at Rouge H2 Engineering in the processing of residual gases,’ explains Matthias Rudloff, CEO of AMBARtec.
 

Picture above: Testing of the chemical looping hydrogen reactor at Rouge H2 Engineering.

Picture below: Test plant for the chemical looping hydrogen process at Rouge H2 Engineering AG.

* Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the European Research Executive Agency (REA) can be held responsible for them.

In addition to Rouge H2 Engineering, the project also involves two partners from the steel industry. ‘With their input, we will align the process and associated plant technology with real conditions in steelworks from the beginning and demonstrate this at our partner's premises,’ emphasises Matthias Rudloff. ‘We look forward to receiving constructive support from other steel companies.’

The role of iron oxide nuggets
Blast furnace gases contain relevant quantities of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen. If these gases are added to iron oxide nuggets under the right conditions, the iron oxide is reduced and carbon dioxide and steam are released.

FeOx + CO/H₂ -> FeO + CO₂/H₂O

The carbon dioxide is separated and made available for utilisation or storage, for example via CCS. In the second step, the reduced iron oxide nuggets are re-oxidised using steam. This process produces high-purity hydrogen, which can be used as both a material and an energy source. 

Pressekontakt:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

E-Mail: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

8. July 2025in About AMBARtec

Südwestpresse: ‘How hydrogen can be transported using iron nuggets’


Many industrial processes can only be decarbonised using hydrogen, which typically requires delivery. In the article 'Gas in iron nuggets', Südwestpresse presents AMBARtec's technology for the transportation of hydrogen using iron nuggets.  

The article explains why iron nuggets are an energy- and cost-efficient and very safe alternative for companies to be supplied with hydrogen.  

Download the full article here (only available in German)

Curious? Don't hesitate to contact us directly.

Pressekontakt:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

Email: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

7. July 2025in Meet AMBARtec, About AMBARtec, Meet AMBARtec, Press Release

Another date at the Hydrogen Bar!


Following the positive response to his first visit, Matthias Rudloff returned to the bar on 2 July. This time, the podcast focused on the many potential applications of our iron oxide-based storage systems and how they can help companies to transition to more climate-friendly industrial processes.

The Hydrogen Bar podcast offers weekly insights into the world of hydrogen. A variety of technical, economic and political topics are covered.  

Listen here via Browser (in German).

Listen here via Spotify (in German).


Curious? Don't hesitate to contact us directly.

Pressekontakt:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

Email: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

30. June 2025in About AMBARtec, Meet AMBARtec, Press Release

Meet at the Hydrogen Bar!

 

The Hydrogen Bar podcast offers weekly insights into the world of hydrogen. A variety of technical, economic and political topics are covered.  

We were therefore very happy to accept the invitation. Matthias Rudloff (CEO AMBARtec AG) joined the Hydrogen Bar on 25 June. As well as explaining our technology and its benefits, he talked about our offer to SMEs: using our iron nuggets to provide them with low-cost hydrogen in the near future, with no need for infrastructure adaptation. Matthias Rudloff also reported on Europe's first hydrogen storage power plant, which is currently being built in Freiberg.

Listen here via Browser (in German).

Listen here via Spotify (in German).


Curious? Don't hesitate to contact us directly.

Pressekontakt:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

Email: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

8. June 2025in About AMBARtec, Press Release

Münchner Merkur: This is how companies will obtain hydrogen in the near future


With our iron-based hydrogen storage systems, companies can meet their hydrogen needs without relying on a hydrogen core network or transporting hydrogen as dangerous goods. The Münchner Merkur has covered the topic, reporting on our technology and its advantages.

You can read the full article here (only available in German).


Curios? Don't hesitate to contact us directly.

Pressekontakt:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

Email: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

2. June 2025in About AMBARtec, Annual review, Press Release

Ramp-up of hydrogen economy picks up speed despite complex regulatory framework

Handelsblatt hydrogen summit: AMBARtec CEO Matthias Rudloff as expert on the podium

The hydrogen industry faces numerous challenges. On the one hand, some regulatory requirements are hindering the realisation of hydrogen projects. These include a lack of technological openness in hydrogen production, overly complex rules for defining climate-friendly hydrogen, and delayed government investment and subsidies.

On the other hand, companies need to improve the economic efficiency of hydrogen as an energy source. Matthias Rudloff, a participant in one of the panel discussions, shares this view based on his experience in his day-to-day work at AMBARtec. However, he also recognises the opportunities arising from technological developments in the use of hydrogen for energy storage. "Numerous discussions and comments have confirmed that hydrogen still has great potential to make our future energy supply both sustainable and secure. However, it is imperative to encourage companies to plan for security and drive innovation forward," he concluded.


Matthias Rudloff was also in high demand as a discussion partner outside of the conference programme, particularly among steel industry representatives. After all, the AMBARtec process enables blast furnace or coke oven gas from steelworks to be converted into clean hydrogen by capturing CO₂.

Regardless of the hydrogen source, the AMBARtec process enables hydrogen to be stored and transported without changing the infrastructure and at competitive costs. AMBARtec has also launched an initiative to provide the economy with cost-effective hydrogen produced in various industrial processes that cannot currently be used.

Pressekontakt:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

E-Mail: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de