SFC Energy and Johnson Matthey have announced the extension of their strategic partnership with the aim of accelerating joint value creation in the fast-growing hydrogen fuel cell market.
The partnership focuses on the development and supply of proton exchange membrane components (PEMs) for the H2-PEM stack developed by SFC Energy, which is the core of the SFC hydrogen fuel cell.
With over 60,000 fuel cells sold worldwide, SFC is expanding its range of higher-power hydrogen fuel cells for stationary markets. The long-term collaboration between SFC and JM has to date centred around the supply of components for SFC’s direct methanol fuel cell systems (DMFC). Now, SFC and JM have entered into a technology transfer agreement, where SFC Energy will acquire Johnson Matthey’s assets and technology for the production of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for DMFCs at SFC’s new development and production site near Swindon, UK.
This acquisition will expand SFC Energy’s core competencies by adding DMFC membrane technology, enabling the company to produce essential fuel cell components itself in the future. As a result, SFC Energy secures a stable supply chain and significantly increases the value-added share for methanol fuel cells by integrating component production. SFC Energy plans to start series production in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Moreover, both companies have entered into a long-term supply agreement where JM commits to supplying catalysts for DMFC fuel cells to SFC Energy for at least five years. SFC Energy creates price stability and secures its high-quality standards over a long-term period with this agreement.
SFC and JM have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) detailing their intention to work together in the field of hydrogen fuel cells for stationary applications, where PEM components will be developed under a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with the intent that JM supplies these components for at least five years.
Hydrogen fuel cell-powered generators are an ultra-low carbon alternative to those powered by fossil fuels. They provide all the same advantages as diesel-powered generators in terms of fast start-up times and can supply a wide range of power requirements, but have zero emissions. SFC has been successfully focussing on the market for backup and off-grid power supplies for industrial, public security and private customers and has built a leading market position.
The extension of the SFC Energy and Johnson Matthey partnership is significant in terms of accelerating growth in the hydrogen fuel cell market. The technology transfer agreement and the long-term supply agreement provide SFC Energy with stable and sustainable supply chains for its products. Additionally, the extension will also help the company to reduce costs and increase performance enhancement.
