ELYAS: advancing hydrogen technology for Europe’s clean energy transition

The ELYAS project is transforming Bosch’s plant in Bramberg, Germany - currently producing internal combustion engines and components - into a PEM electrolysis stack manufacturing site. This shift marks a significant step from traditional automotive supply toward clean technology manufacturing. The site's transformation will utilise existing production facilities and equipment while retaining part of the current workforce. In doing so, the project positions the plant as a primary industrialisation site for electrolyser manufacturing, marking a major transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) parts, such as fuel injection systems and sensors needed to power traditional vehicles, to renewable hydrogen products.  

PEM electrolysis stacks are essential in the hydrogen production process, making them a key pathway for achieving a sustainable energy transition. These stacks efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity, thus enabling a scalable, renewable hydrogen uptake. It is estimated that ELYAS will avoid 22.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the next decade, equivalent to the entire CO2 emissions of Croatia in 2022. This scale of emission reduction underpins the role hydrogen technology plays in Europe’s efforts to achieve its climate targets. 

Drawing on its automotive manufacturing expertise, Bosch developed a scalable, high-quality production process for PEM electrolyser components, prioritising long-term reliability and durability. ELYAS has been selected to receive nearly €52 million in grants from the Innovation Fund, enabling the company to expand and transform its existing production facilities in the Bamberg plant, Bosch Group’s second-largest worldwide.  

“By scaling hydrogen production, Bosch is helping to pave the way for a carbon-neutral future in Europe”, explained Carola Ruse, Senior Vice President Business Unit Electrolyzer Solutions at Bosch. 

“The ELYAS project stands out as a great example of how traditional industries can be transformed to meet new demands, whilst safeguarding jobs and bolstering local economies.” 

Furthermore, ELYAS (standign for "smart ElectroLYsis module manufacturing – upscaling with Automotive production technology with a Sustainability focus") is set to boost job creation and accelerate the development of a local supply chain for hydrogen technology, generating valuable economic impacts for the Bamberg region. The site’s transformation attracts a network of experienced local suppliers, such as producers of components for combustion engines and skilled manufacturers of automotive parts ready to support this new direction. The regional economy in North Bavaria, heavily reliant on automotive suppliers and employing almost 15,000 people in this sector, will benefit significantly.  

About the Innovation Fund   

The Innovation Fund, financed by EU Emissions Trading System revenues, is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. The Fund focuses on highly innovative clean technologies and major flagship projects with European added value that can bring significant greenhouse gas emission reductions.