Hydrogen expert H-TEC SYSTEMS commissions EKPO to develop stack components for use in next-generation PEM electrolyzers.
EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH (EKPO) and hydrogen specialist H-TEC SYSTEMS have agreed on a development contract for realizing stack components for PEM electrolyzers. As part of the cooperation, EKPO will contribute its know-how in the development and large-scale production of components and scrap reduction through a highly automated level of production. The development and production of the prototypes that will be delivered to H-TEC SYSTEMS as part of the agreement will take place in Germany.The project is scheduled to start in 2023.
The development of the stack components is specially designed for use in PEM electrolyzers in the megawatt range. H-TEC SYSTEMS is currently building its new Stack Manufacturing & Development Center in Hamburg-Rahlstedt which will be one of the largest of its kind in the world. At this new, ultra-modern and climate-neutral production and development plant, the hydrogen expert wants to produce PEM electrolysis stacks with a potential total electrolysis capacity of up to five gigawatts in a highly automated process from 2024 to facilitate the global hydrogen ramp-up. The stacks form the heart of the PEM electrolyzers which are built at the company's headquarters in Augsburg in Bavaria.
“In order to advance the hydrogen ramp-up, speed is the be-all and end-all. We are currently experiencing rapid growth and will open a state-of-the-art and automated factory for the production of PEM electrolysis stacks in the coming year. For this we need strong partners”, explained Robin von Plettenberg, CEO of H-TEC SYSTEMS. “As with all our products, we likewise have high quality standards for our large-scale production items. We are looking forward to pressing ahead with our serial production and the quality of our products together with EKPO.”
EKPO's expertise is based on more than 20 years of experience in the development of and research into fuel cell technology. The joint venture benefits from the market-leading metal processing expertise of the parent company, ElringKlinger, and can also access the basic knowledge from the Elastomer Technology division in the course this development project.
The competence in the development of production processes for large-scale series, the experience with a large number of production processes as well as know-how in the processing of different materials help EKPO to develop fuel cell components and to produce them in serial manufacturing processes of the highest quality. Due to the expertise gained over many years, these can be produced individually according to customer specifications with high-precision composite tool technology suitable for large-scale manufacture in a fully automated and linked production process.
Carole Brinati, Managing Director of EKPO, made the point: “Our know-how in fuel cell technology built up over decades and in series production of stack components in particular, provide the basis for being able to offer innovative solutions for various applications. We are pleased to support H-TEC-SYSTEMS, one of the leading manufacturers of electrolyzers, which is significantly driving the expansion of applications based on green hydrogen.”
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