Priya patelTLDR:
– Bekaert and Toshiba have signed a partnership agreement to accelerate green hydrogen production.
– The agreement focuses on advancing the Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) technology for PEM electrolyzers.
Bekaert and Toshiba have entered into a global partnership agreement to advance green hydrogen production. This partnership includes a strategic cooperation agreement and a manufacturing technology license for Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA), a key component for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. PEM electrolyzers use electricity to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, producing hydrogen without greenhouse gas emissions when using renewable energy sources. The catalyst in PEM anode electrodes typically uses iridium, a scarce metal, and reducing iridium content is crucial for scaling up these technologies. Toshiba’s innovative iridium-saving technology, coupled with Bekaert’s expertise in Porous Transport Layers (PTL), allows for a 90% reduction in iridium usage in the production of PEM electrolyzers. This reduction enables a more stable supply of MEA and supports the scale expansion of green hydrogen production. Bekaert will commercialize MEA production utilizing its global network and manufacturing base in Belgium, while Toshiba will focus on further enhancing the technical performance of the technology. The partnership aims to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen production and contribute to the realization of a green hydrogen society.
