The hydrogen economy is rapidly gaining momentum, and China stands at the forefront of this green revolution. In a groundbreaking move, Feintool, a leading technology company, has secured a major customer in China’s booming hydrogen market.
Collaborating with a renowned Chinese fuel cell manufacturer, Feintool is spearheading the development of a new generation of high-performance fuel cells. These metallic bipolar plates, the heart of fuel cells used in buses and commercial vehicles, are set to enter high volume production in Taicang by 2024. This strategic move marks Feintool as one of the first European companies to establish a significant presence in China’s highly competitive hydrogen landscape.
China’s commitment to the hydrogen economy is unwavering, with the nation accelerating efforts to decarbonize various sectors. Feintool’s foray into China’s hydrogen market is a testament to the country’s dedication to embracing sustainable solutions. Hydrogen fuel cells have garnered significant attention as an eco-friendly alternative for transportation and stationary power applications, and the partnership between Feintool and its Chinese counterpart is set to drive progress in this domain.
At the heart of fuel cells lies the metallic bipolar plates, crucial components that enable the conversion of hydrogen and oxygen into clean electric power. Feintool’s expertise in the development of these high-performance bipolar plates has positioned the company as a key player in advancing fuel cell technology. These plates, which are integral to buses and commercial vehicles, hold immense potential in shaping the future of green transportation.
Feintool’s successful collaboration with the Chinese customer showcases the company’s prowess as a trusted development partner. With its strong engineering expertise and local presence in China, Feintool won the contract in a market traditionally dominated by domestic players. This milestone demonstrates Feintool’s ability to transfer technology on a global scale and deliver highly efficient local-for-local solutions, crucial for thriving in the competitive Chinese market.
Feintool’s journey to revolutionize fuel cell technology began at its Swiss site in Lyss, where the groundbreaking bipolar plates were developed. Prototypes will continue to be manufactured until October 2023. Leveraging a partnership with the German company SITEC, Feintool established two production lines at the Taicang plant, situated near Shanghai. The plant boasts an impressive capacity of up to ten million bipolar plates annually. The “shop-in-shop” concept combines Feintool’s cutting-edge FEINforming process, conducted on high-performance presses developed in-house, with SITEC’s expertise in laser welding. This seamless partnership ensures the delivery of large-scale, ready-to-install, top-quality bipolar plates to fuel cell manufacturers.
By the end of 2024, the substantial order is expected to run at full capacity on one production line, marking a significant milestone in China’s ambitious hydrogen journey. As the country’s hydrogen economy is projected to experience robust growth by 2030, Feintool aims to expand its market share with this groundbreaking fuel cell generation. Building on their successful collaboration in Asia, SITEC and Feintool are poised to continue their partnership, manufacturing bipolar plates for fuel cells and electrolyzers in Europe.
