New joint venture sets its sights on hydrogen fuel

Companies form joint venture to produce PEM electrolysers for fuel cells

Areva, a leading clean technology firm, has formed a joint venture with CETH2, developers of decentralized hydrogen generators. Through this joint venture, the two parties aim to develop and manufacture electrolysers for industrial proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells. The electrolysers would be responsible for producing the hydrogen fuel that these energy systems use to generate electricity. While PEM fuel cells are typically used in the transportation sector, they have been used in industrial settings in the past.

PEM fuel cells can be used for more than just transportation

PEM fuel cells are typically small , which makes them ideal for transportation and similar, mobility-oriented purposes. The energy systems are capable of producing large amounts of electrical power, however, and their production capacity often depends on their actual size. Large PEM fuel cells have been used in several industrial sectors, though solid oxide fuel cells are generally preferred for industrial purposes.

Joint venture could help tackle storage and hydrogen production problems

The Areva H2-Gen JV, which is being backed by the French Environment & Energy Management Agency, is meant focus on tackling the challenges that exist in the renewable energy storage market and the hydrogen fuel supply chain. The joint venture will particularly focus on matters concerning the production of hydrogen fuel for transportation and other purposes. The PEM electrolysers that the venture produces are meant to serve as a solution to some of the storage issues that exist in regards to hydrogen and the availability of hydrogen for various types of fuel cells.

Fuel cell vehicles could benefit from new PEM electrolysers developed by joint venture

The electrolysers are being designed for the mass production of hydrogen. This could make them quite attractive in the transportation sector, which is becoming more invested in fuel cell technology. Fuel cells are expected to power a new generation of clean vehicles that will be released in the relatively near future. These vehicles will require the support of an expansion hydrogen fuel infrastructure, which will need hydrogen production technology in order to take form.