Revealed today (Oct 5), the group is exploring this aim through a collaboration with Luleå University of Technology’s CH2ESS initiative which aims to participate and fund research within hydrogen use in industrial processes and energy systems.

This will help accelerate the development of fossil-free bearing steel which can be then used in industrial processes.

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As part of the initiative, SFK will have a hand in researching hybrid ceramic bearings, electrical vehicles and other applications as the initiative looks to commercialise technologies that could support the energy transition.

Victoria Van Camp, President of SKF Technology, said, “Mechanical components are very important to ensure the function and operation in future hydrogen systems.

“Together with CH2ESS and its partners, we can contribute in designing robust, reliable hydrogen systems, with the lowest possible impact on the environment and on total cost of operation.

“This will not only benefit Swedish industry, but also global technology development for the future hydrogen economy.”

Rikard Gebart, Program Manager of CH2ESS and Professor in Energy Engineering at Luleå University of Technology, said, “We are very happy that SKF has decided to join our competence centre CH2ESS.

“The large expertise of SKF in many strategically important areas is a welcome addition to the existing knowledge base in CH2ESS.

“We are looking forward to an exciting collaboration where we together address the many important problems that are connected to the hydrogen technology.”