BASF's Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions has initiated the construction of its pioneering production facility for green hydrogen and fuel cell components in Budenheim, Germany, located in close proximity to Frankfurt. This facility marks a significant step forward in BASF's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. The site will manufacture cutting-edge low-iridium-loaded catalyst coated membranes, essential components for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. Additionally, the facility will produce Celtec® membrane electrode assemblies for high-temperature fuel cells, pivotal in efficiently converting hydrogen and oxygen into electricity.
The Budenheim facility underscores BASF's global leadership in the hydrogen sector, spanning operations across Europe, North America, and Asia. As renewable energy technologies evolve rapidly, green hydrogen production through water electrolysis is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting the global shift towards sustainable energy systems. The new facility is strategically positioned to commercially deploy newly developed CCMs for PEM electrolyzers, with a capacity reaching multi-gigawatts to meet global market demands. This investment underscores BASF's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in precious metals, catalysts, and recycling, establishing itself as a comprehensive solution provider across various product lines within the green hydrogen domain.
This new site in Budenheim is integral to our global hydrogen strategy, remarked Tim Ingle, Senior Vice President of Precious Metal Services and Recycling for ECMS. As a leader in precious metals services and catalyst recycling, this investment reinforces our support for the burgeoning hydrogen economy, offering circular solutions that enhance performance and reduce costs for PEM electrolyzers and fuel cells.
Saeed Alerasool, Senior Vice President R&D and Application for ECMS, highlighted the successful transition of new products from research and development to pilot scale. The commencement of production in Budenheim represents a pivotal milestone in bringing these innovative products to market, positioning BASF favorably to capitalize on substantial business opportunities in the green hydrogen sector.
Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2025, the Budenheim facility will be situated within the Rhein-Main metropolitan area on the premises of an industrial site, strategically central in Europe. The project is being developed in collaboration with Trigona Fuel Cell Components GmbH and Grundstücksverwaltung Rheinufer GmbH & Co. KG, underscoring BASF's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
BASF's investment in the Budenheim facility not only underscores its leadership in driving sustainable innovations but also reinforces its pivotal role in accelerating the global transition towards renewable energy. The facility's launch represents a significant stride towards realizing BASF's vision of contributing to a more sustainable future through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships.
