Advent, BASF tie-up for fuel cell membranes tech
US firm Advent Technologies Holdings and Germany’s BASF SE unit BASF New Business GmbH have signed a MoU to develop and increase the manufacturing scale of advanced fuel cell membranes designed for long-term operations under extreme conditions. Deal terms not disclosed.
The parties will explore membrane manufacturing, mass production, and testing capabilities for the BASF Celtec membrane for high-temperature PEM fuel cells.
BASF intends to improve the long-term stability of its Celtec membrane and increase production capacity with advanced technical capabilities to enable further improved and competitive Advent fuel cell systems and membrane electrode assembly (MEA).
Under the agreement the two companies will explore the implementation of high-volume manufacturing for the Celtec membranes, utilise Advent’s fuel cell stack and system testing facilities to assess and qualify the new Celtec membrane for the SereneU (telecom power), M-ZERO, (methane emissions reduction), and Honey Badger (portable power, defense) Advent product families.
Furthermore, BASF supports the realisation of large-scale Important Projects of Common European Interests (IPCEIs) White Dragon and Green HiPo (pending EU approval), through materials for power generation, hydrogen generation, and power storage. The goal of the two projects as submitted by Advent and the White Dragon consortium of companies is to replace Greece’s largest coal-fired power plants with renewable solar energy parks, which will be supported by CO2-free hydrogen production (4.65GW), and fuel cell heat and power production (400MW). In addition,
BASF will also evaluate the productibility of the ion pair membrane developed in collaboration by Advent and the US Department of Energy.
Advent Technologies’ Chairman/CEO Dr. Vasilis Gregoriou commented, “The MEA is the heart of the fuel cell, determining the overall system performance. Our high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane-based MEA is a critical component used in fuel cells and other electrochemistry applications such as CO2-free hydrogen production, and energy storage. The agreement with BASF advances our vision to accelerate electrification through advanced materials, components, and next-generation fuel cell technology and to support industries in decarbonizing at a faster rate.”
Dr. Frank Prechtl, BASF’s Director Business Build-up Energy Management noted, “BASF is a front-runner in offering our customers a portfolio of products with lower carbon footprints to help our customers to reach their climate goals. Our Celtec technology is an enabler for Advent’s ambition for innovative fuel cell and hydrogen technologies. We can contribute with our ability to scale-up capacities for the membrane to support Advent.”
Advent, an innovation-driven leader in the fuel cell and hydrogen technology space, has substantial experience in the development of high-temperature PEM fuel cell systems namely for stationary and portable applications as well as critical components such as MEAs and Gas Diffusion Electrodes (GDEs). Advent is working to increase the performance and scope of its products to satisfy the requirements of its customers and to address new applications. BASF has substantial experience in the manufacturing and development of proton-conducting membranes, GDEs, HT-PEM-MEAs and the pertinent chemicals, catalysts, and compositions for their application in hydrogen separation and fuel cells. BASF is constantly improving the quality, robustness and performance of its products to support growth in fuel cell systems applications.
