Hexagon Purus and CIMC Enric sign agreement for new energy R&D management centre in Beijing

The companies have announced the signing of investment agreements to establish a joint production facility in Shijiazhuang, China, and the CIMC-Hexagon New Energy Technologies management office and engineering hub in the Beijing International Hydrogen Development Zone. In addition, local government has made a strong commitment to support the development of the CIMC-HEXAGON business in their regions through 2030.

Construction of the new composite cylinder and systems manufacturing facility in Shijiazhuang is expected to commence in 2Q22, and the facility will house Type 3 and Type 4 hydrogen cylinder production and systems assembly capacity. The product portfolio includes hydrogen fuel storage systems for on-road vehicles, rail, and maritime applications. The facilities will set a benchmark for highly automated production of composite hydrogen pressure vessels from 350 to 700 bar intended for the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets. The new facility is expected to create several hundred jobs in Shijiazhuang and Beijing and will also support business for regional suppliers.

Morten Holum, CEO of Hexagon Purus, said: “As part of our global expansion program, CIMC-HEXAGON will become the hub for high quality and highly automated manufacturing of high-pressure composite hydrogen storage cylinders and systems for China and Southeast Asia. We are looking forward to making a contribution to the local transportation sector, addressing the substantial growth potential for hydrogen technology in the region as a reliable supplier of advanced technology."

Leo Yang, CEO of CIMC ENRIC adds: “CIMC ENRIC, through CIMC-HEXAGON and the broad spectrum of Hydrogen related products and services of CIMC HYDROGEN, offers a unique portfolio of total solutions to vehicle fleet owners, railway and maritime operators. Shijiazhuang has been CIMC Enric’s manufacturing base for over two decades. We are confident that this environment offers our joint venture with Hexagon Purus a modern and industrialized environment that can deliver a competitive and highly skilled workforce, as well as strong support from the local government”.

The joint venture will serve the fast-growing demand of the Chinese market for safe, lightweight and cost-efficient compressed hydrogen storage solutions. Relevant industrial standards for Type 4 cylinders are currently being established by the Chinese government. The joint venture will also support the transition to zero emission mobility solutions in Southeast Asia.

The initial focus of the Chinese hydrogen strategy is on fuel cell electric buses and commercial vehicles. This will improve public awareness and showcase the safety of hydrogen. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) announced its collective ambition to achieve 23% renewable energy integration into its energy system by 2025, and even more by 2035

The shift to zero emission vehicles is driven by the desire to improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions, as well as to increase energy independence by utilizing large amounts of hydrogen already available in China. In addition, hydrogen provides cost-efficient storage for surplus renewable energy from wind and solar.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/30032022/hexagon-purus-and-cimc-enric-sign-agreement-for-new-energy-rd-management-centre-in-beijing/