New Facility to Support Global Energy Transition
BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) has begun construction on its inaugural production facility dedicated to green hydrogen and fuel cell components in Budenheim, Germany.
The site will produce a variety of products, including advanced low-iridium-loaded catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) and Celtec® membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).
CCMs: Essential for PEM Water Electrolysis
CCMs are a critical component in proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, a process that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The CCMs produced at the new facility will feature a novel design that reduces the amount of iridium required, making them more cost-effective and sustainable.
MEAs: Enabling Efficient Energy Conversion in Fuel Cells
MEAs are another key component in fuel cells, enabling the efficient conversion of hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. The Budenheim facility will also produce MEAs for high-temperature fuel cells, further expanding BASF’s portfolio of green hydrogen solutions.
ECMS, the hydrogen business unit of BASF, operates on a global scale with activities in Europe, North America, and Asia. The production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis is seen as a pivotal pillar in the global energy transition, and this new facility will play a crucial role in supporting this shift.
Commercial Launch of Advanced CCMs
The Budenheim site will enable the commercial launch of newly developed CCMs for PEM electrolyzers with multi-gigawatt capacity, catering to the growing global demand for green hydrogen. This investment strengthens ECMS’s capabilities in precious metals, catalysts, and recycling, positioning it as a comprehensive solution provider in the green hydrogen sector.
Supporting the Growing Hydrogen Economy
Tim Ingle, Senior Vice President of Precious Metal Services and Recycling for ECMS, highlighted the significance of this investment in fulfilling BASF’s global hydrogen strategy and supporting the burgeoning hydrogen economy with circular solutions that enhance performance and reduce costs for PEM electrolyzers and fuel cells.
From R&D to Commercial Production
Saeed Alerasool, Senior Vice President of R&D and Application for ECMS, emphasized the successful progression of BASF’s new products from research and development to pilot scale. The production in Budenheim marks a major milestone in bringing these products to market and positions BASF to capitalize on the substantial business opportunities in the green hydrogen sector.
Facility Location and Timeline
The Budenheim facility, located on the premises of an industrial site in the heart of Europe’s Rhein-Main metropolitan area, is slated to open in the summer of 2025.
This strategic location ensures efficient access to markets and resources. The project is being developed in collaboration with Trigona Fuel Cell Components GmbH and Grundstücksverwaltung Rheinufer GmbH & Co. KG.