BASF, Advent Technologies to set up Hydrogen fuel cell supply chain in Europe

BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions and Advent Technologies Holdings have concluded a new agreement to join efforts in building a full-loop component supply chain for fuel cells and enter discussions to extend the partnership into the field of water electrolysis. 

BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions boasts expertise in developing membrane and MEA technology for high temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells with a strong foundation in precious metal services and catalysis. 

Advent, on the other hand, claims to be the largest manufacturer of HT-PEM fuel cell systems targeting emerging markets in the field of sustainable and decentralized energy such as stationary power that can replace diesel generators, marine power from e-methanol fuel cells and heavy-duty mobility.

HT-PEM fuel cells operate at 120 to 180°C, offer a broad operating window and tolerate impurities in the hydrogen fuel gas, according to the developer. The fuel cells also enable simplified cooling and need no humidification, and offers competitive fuel cell systems for stationary and portable applications based on methanol and on-site reforming. In the future, HT-PEM fuel cells will be also available for heavy duty mobility and marine power, the company adds. 

"We are committed to building a full loop supply chain for green hydrogen technologies including precious metal services, catalysts, components and recycling. Expanding our longstanding cooperation with Advent enables us both to grow in the HT-PEM fuel cell market and helps position Europe as a leading region for the hydrogen industrial transformation," said Tim Ingle, Senior Vice President, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions.

The scope of the agreement includes BASF's role in scaling up MEA production at Advent's planned state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Western Macedonia, Greece, while offering Advent its full portfolio of products and services to enable circularity in key materials.

Both companies will also cooperate on BASF's latest membrane development 'Celtec-Z' and the new 'Ion Pair' MEA membrane concept by Advent, aiming for improved performance, lifetime and cost competitiveness.

Dr Vasilis Gregoriou, Advent's Chairman and CEO commented, "The Advent team is thrilled to further strengthen its collaboration with BASF, a world-class catalyst and membrane leader. This partnership will enable the combination of Advent's expertise in fuel cell stacks and systems with BASF's expertise in catalyst and membrane development, creating a powerful synergy that will drive innovation in the fuel cell industry."

Advent's 'Green HiPo' project involves the development, design and manufacture of HT-PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers. The project is under the framework of the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) that is promoting hydrogen development and deployment to boost jobs and growth throughout Europe while contributing to a green and resilience agenda.

In this regard, BASF will support further market uptake of the HT-PEM fuel cells by providing a broad portfolio of services and products at scale, including PGM (Platinum Group Metals) services, catalysts, membranes, and recycling.