Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), the green energy branch of Australian mining giant Fortescue Metals Group, has invested significantly in a Chinese manufacturer of electrolyzer membranes. This move aligns with Fortescue’s ambitious goals to become a global leader in the green hydrogen sector.
FFI is putting its financial backing behind Beijing Hosen Hi-Tech Co., which develops and produces the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology essential for hydrogen production through electrolysis. This technology is vital because it allows for the efficient splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity, thus generating green hydrogen.
Fortescue’s decision to invest in Beijing Hosen Hi-Tech demonstrates its commitment to building a robust supply chain for green hydrogen technology. Andrew Forrest, Fortescue’s founder and chairman, has been a vocal advocate for green hydrogen, envisioning it as a cornerstone for a carbon-neutral future. The company aims to produce 15 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
This partnership also underscores the growing importance of collaboration between nations and businesses to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies. Fortescue’s investment is expected to help scale up the production of PEM technology, reducing costs and making green hydrogen more competitive with fossil fuels.
In a broader context, this development highlights the increasing momentum in the hydrogen industry as companies worldwide ramp up efforts to decarbonize the energy sector. Fortescue’s investment in Beijing Hosen Hi-Tech is a strategic step toward advancing this global energy transition.
