EKPO has secured a commitment of up to €177 million in funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport, along with support from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment.
The funding, spanning until 2027, underscores the German government’s dedication to advancing innovative projects under the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) hydrogen initiative.
The EKPO project at the forefront of the IPCEI hydrogen initiative aims to spearhead the development and industrialization of a new generation of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack modules. These modules are strategically designed for heavy-duty applications, with a primary focus on the commercial vehicle sector. Additionally, they are poised to make an impact in maritime applications, rail transport, and stationary units. The overarching goal is to set new benchmarks in performance and power density, specifically tailored for the demanding life cycle of heavy commercial vehicles.
The heart of EKPO’s project lies in the advancement of PEM fuel cell stack modules. These modules, intended to outperform existing technologies, are geared towards achieving exceptional power density. The company envisions these modules as pivotal components in the hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle sector. While the current focus is on performance and power density, EKPO acknowledges the need to optimize costs and manufacturability for successful commercialization.
The newly secured funding is a crucial catalyst for EKPO’s future endeavors, providing a robust foundation to expand its product portfolio, particularly in the heavy-duty and high-performance sector. Gernot Stellberger, the Managing Director of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, emphasizes the significance of the funding commitment, stating that it opens up new opportunities to broaden their business model and significantly enhance performance capabilities. EKPO, with its leading stack technology and industrialization expertise, is poised to contribute substantially to the evolution of the hydrogen industry.
