Kawasaki and Symbio forge fuel cell systems partnership
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki) and Symbio are joining forces in the development of fuel cell systems for mobility, including construction equipment. In a media release on February 28, 2024, Symbio announced it had concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Japanese multinational corporation that aims to explore the application of fuel cell systems to mobilities and accelerate their hydrogen business initiatives.
Symbio is a joint venture between automotive technology group, Forvia; Michelin, the world’s largest tyre manufacturer; and global automaker, Stellantis. The company has over 30 years of experience in fuel cell development, and in 2023 inaugurated the largest integrated fuel cells Gigafactory in Europe, SymphonHy, near Lyon, France. SymphonHy manufactures pre-integrated and pre-validated fuel cell systems or “StackPacks,” with an annual capacity of 50,000 fuel cell systems. Symbio’s fuel systems are used in commercial light-duty, medium and heavy-duty vehicles supplied to major automotive OEMs. Kawasaki, founded in 1896, has over 125 years of experience in general engineering of a wide range of rolling stock.
The MoU will integrate Symbio’s prowess in fuel cell technology for automobiles with Kawasaki’s extensive manufacturing experience in mobility and construction machinery solutions, including the production of high-pressure hydrogen gas valves. The Japanese company mass produces hydrogen gas valves for fuel cell vehicles for major overseas automakers.
In the statement, Symbio and Kawasaki emphasised that the partnership would advance the development of efficient low-carbon fuel cell systems and contribute to global carbon neutrality goals.
