Messer and GIZ signed a Letter of Intent to boost the decarbonization of the Brazilian metalworking industry with green hydrogen

09/24/2024

On September 24, during the German-Brazilian Economic Meeting, held in Wolfsburg, Germany, the H2Uppp program (International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Program), through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and commissioned by the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) of Germany, signed a letter of intent with Messer Cutting Systems GmbH, Messer Cutting Systems do Brasil Ltda and Messer Gases Ltda. The agreement aims to promote the adoption of green hydrogen as a decarbonization solution in the Brazilian metalworking sector.

The project entitled “Green hydrogen steel cutting systems for industrial oxyfuel applications” is the result of an application by the industrial gases specialist Messer and Messer Cutting Systems to the H2Uppp Public-Private Partnership call for projects. Its primary objective is to raise awareness in the Brazilian metalworking industry about the potential of green hydrogen, as well to explore how other industries can replicate the lessons learned. The public-private partnership seeks to develop and showcase a technological solution that uses green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels in industrial oxyfuel applications, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions. This effort is based on the experience of the industrial gases manufacturer Messer and Messer Cutting Systems with the HyCut line and oxyfuel technology.

The scope of the project extends beyond the implementation of new technology. It will also include an analysis of the technical and economic impacts of replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen in cutting machines. Additionally, professionals within the industry - engineers, technicians, operators, and students - will receive training to efficiently use this new technology, ensuring Brazil is prepared for this transformation.

Through this partnership, Messer and GIZ expect that the project will not only support the transformation of Brazil’s metalworking industry but also inspire other carbon-intensive sectors, reinforcing the commitment to a more sustainable energy future.

The Letter of Intent was signed by the CEO Europe of Messer Cutting Systems GmbH, Jörg Mosser, the CEO of Messer Cutting Systems Brazil, Martina Paulus, the CEO of Messer Gases Brasil, Paulo Ramos and the director of H2Uppp Brasil, Markus Francke.

The H2Uppp

The International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2Uppp) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) promotes projects and market development for green hydrogen in selected developing and emerging countries as part of the National Hydrogen Strategy. In Brazil, the program is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, under the German-Brazilian Cooperation for Sustainable Development.

Looking forward to the joint project (from left to right): Martina Paulus (CEO Messer Cutting Systems Brasil), Dr. Markus Francke (Director of H2Uppp) and Axel Vogelsang (Manager Strategic Business Development Oxyfuel Technology)

MESSER CUTTING SYSTEMS: THE APEX OF TECHNOLOGY FOR MORE THAN 125 YEARS

Messer Cutting Systems is a global supplier of cutting edge technology. The company offers products and services for the metalworking industry which set standards world-wide. As market leader in its branch, the machine manufacturer supplies complete solutions and concentrates strategically on advising its customers and customer oriented innovation. Here, the company focusses on the digitalisation of processes and products. Messer Cutting Systems is represented with more than 800 employees in 5 main locations with production facilities and in more than 50 countries.

The product range includes oxyfuel, plasma and laser cutting systems from hand guided machines right up to special machines for shipbuilding as well as machines and equipment for oxyfuel welding, cutting, brazing, soldering and heating. Spare parts, repairs, modernisation, maintenance and service as well as environmental technology round out the product portfolio. In-house software solutions optimise production and business processes. The product range is extended by solutions from technology partners, for example in the field of automation.

An intensive dialogue with our customers has prime position – the modern training centre makes this claim clear. World-wide, Messer Cutting Systems is the partner of choice for cutting systems, oxyfuel technology and customer consultancy.