BASF and Advent Technologies have signed an agreement to establish an end-to-end supply chain for hydrogen fuel cell systems in Europe. The two companies believe that hydrogen can enable the transformation toward climate neutrality and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.

BASF, a global leader in precious metals and catalysis,  will expand its hydrogen-related portfolio including precious metal services, catalysts, components and recycling by scaling up production of Celtec^® MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) technology for fuel cells.

Advent Technologies is the largest manufacturer of high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell systems, targeting emerging markets in the field of sustainable and decentralised energy such as stationary power that can replace diesel generators, marine power from e-methanol fuel cells and heavy-duty mobility.

“We are committed to building a full loop supply chain for green hydrogen technologies including precious metal services, catalysts, components and recycling. Expanding our longstanding cooperation with Advent enables us both to grow in the HT-PEM fuel cell market and helps position Europe as a leading region for the hydrogen industrial transformation,” said Tim Ingle, senior vice president, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions.

The scope of the agreement includes BASF’s role in scaling up MEA production at Advent’s planned state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Western Macedonia, Greece, while offering Advent its full portfolio of products and services to enable circularity in key materials. Both companies will cooperate on BASF’s latest membrane development, Celtec^®-Z, and the new Ion Pair™ MEA membrane concept by Advent, aiming for improved performance, lifetime and cost competitiveness.

“The Advent team is thrilled to further strengthen its collaboration with BASF, a world-class catalyst and membrane leader. This partnership will enable the combination of Advent’s expertise in fuel cell stacks and systems with BASF’s expertise in catalyst and membrane development, creating a powerful synergy that will drive innovation in the fuel cell industry,” said Dr. Vasilis Gregoriou, Advent’s chairman and CEO. 

Advent’s Green HiPo project involves the development, design and manufacture of HT-PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers. The project is under the framework of the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) that is promoting hydrogen development and deployment to boost jobs and growth throughout Europe while contributing to a green and resilience agenda. 

BASF will support further market uptake of the HT-PEM fuel cells by providing a broad portfolio of services and products at scale, including PGM (Platinum Group Metals) services, catalysts, membranes, and recycling.