EOS Joins EU Hydrogen Materials Consortium MAT-H2

EOS Joins MAT-H2 Consortium

EOS is joining MAT-H2, an EU-funded consortium focused on developing materials and manufacturing processes for a hydrogen economy. The group will study how metals, coatings, and additive manufacturing techniques perform in hydrogen environments over the long term.

The consortium brings together Finnish companies and research organizations, including coatings firm Teknos, stainless steel specialist Bumax, high-strength steel producer SSAB, engine manufacturer Wartsila, and the University of Oulu. EOS will contribute its metal powder bed fusion expertise to help design components that resist hydrogen embrittlement and maintain structural integrity under pressure.

Hydrogen embrittlement remains a major obstacle for widespread hydrogen adoption. When metals absorb hydrogen atoms, they become brittle and prone to cracking under stress. Stainless steel 316L offers better resistance than many alternatives, but high-pressure hydrogen systems still demand rigorous testing and qualification.

Paula Kainu, Industrial Manager Energy at EOS, said additive manufacturing can accelerate this work. "Hydrogen will play an important role in the future energy landscape, but its successful adoption depends on solving complex material challenges. Additive manufacturing is a key enabler in this process, creating new opportunities to develop, test, and optimize materials and components for hydrogen environments with greater speed and flexibility."

The move aligns with broader European efforts to build domestic energy supply chains. Finland has declared the BotH2nia Hydrogen Valley and launched production projects despite lacking native hydrogen reserves. If the continent shifts toward hydrogen for industrial power and transport, high-pressure AM components could become a significant export category for European manufacturers.