BASF and Advent Technologies Inc. of Greece plan to establish a complete supply chain for high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell components. In addition, the two companies said they have begun talks on expanding the partnership to include the water electrolysis sector.
The cooperation will be conducted through BASF's subsidiary BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions. It will take over the group's membrane and MEA technology business for high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells.
Advent claims to be the largest manufacturer of HT-PEM fuel cell systems. The company serves markets such as stationary power generation and e-methanol-powered fuel cells for marine and heavy-duty transportation.
Full supply chain for green hydrogen technologies
"Our goal is to build a complete supply chain for green hydrogen technologies, including precious metal services, catalysts, components and recycling. By expanding our long-standing collaboration with Advent, we can further grow our business in the HT-PEM fuel cell market.
In addition, this decision helps position Europe as a leader in the industrial transformation of hydrogen," said Tim Ingle, senior vice president, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions.
HT-PEM fuel cells
HT-PEM fuel cells operate at a cell temperature of 120 to 180 °C, are versatile and have a high tolerance to impurities in the hydrogen gas. These fuel cells also allow simplified cooling and do not require humidification. In the future, HT-PEM fuel cells will also be available for heavy-duty transportation and the marine industry.
BASF intends to significantly support further market development for HT-PEM fuel cells with a broad portfolio of services and products, including PGM (platinum metals) services, catalysts, membranes and recycling.
Strengthening cooperation
According to BASF, the agreement defines the group's role in the expansion of MEA production at Advent's planned production facility in Western Macedonia, Greece, and ensures the company access to its entire portfolio of products and services.
The two companies' collaboration on BASF's latest membrane development, Celtec®-Z, and Advent's new Ion Pair™ MEA membrane concept aims to further improve aspects such as performance, lifetime and competitiveness in terms of cost.
