Sustainable technology firm Johnson Matthey (JM) and Norwegian hydrogen player Hystar have embarked on an exciting three-year strategic supply agreement to significantly boost green hydrogen production. This collaboration aims to take advantage of the respective expertise of both companies and drive forward the advancement of sustainable technologies.
The agreement entails JM supplying membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), which are vital components that define the performance of electrolysers. By incorporating these MEAs into their commercialization efforts, Hystar aims to accelerate their progress in the field of green hydrogen production.
This collaboration represents the next phase in the partnership between JM and Hystar, which originally commenced in 2021. Initially, the focus was on the development and scale-up of electrolyser stacks, utilizing the components provided by JM alongside Hystar's patented cell design.
Expanding on their existing collaboration, JM will now be providing MEAs for Hystar's PEM electrolysers, specifically for implementation in the innovative HyPilot project in Norway. The HyPilot project serves as a crucial testing ground for Hystar's proprietary PEM technology, which will be put through its paces under realistic field conditions. To ensure a comprehensive assessment, industry leaders Yara and Equinor will collaborate with Hystar, taking into account market demands related to food production and energy security.
As part of the project, Hystar is on track to deliver a fully autonomous, containerized PEM electrolyser capable of producing up to 745 kg of hydrogen per day. Impressively, Hystar's recent test results have already surpassed the Clean Hydrogen for Europe 2030 targets, indicating the company's commitment to delivering clean hydrogen at an exceptional level.
Hystar and JM have also committed to a partnership aimed at further improving the performance of Hystar's electrolysers while integrating circularity principles into the system's design. This collaborative effort demonstrates the shared dedication to sustainable practices and continuous innovation.
Looking ahead, both partners have plans to continue their collaboration, with the goal of enabling further scale-up and automation for Hystar's ambitious multi-GW production line. It is anticipated that this production line will be fully operational by 2025, contributing significantly to the growth and proliferation of green hydrogen technology.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Hystar's chief executive, Fredrik Mowill, emphasized the company's commitment to scaling up production and collaborating with industry-leading partners. Mowill highlighted the significance of strategic suppliers like JM, whose cutting-edge technology and manufacturing capabilities align perfectly with Hystar's future technological advancements.
Mark Wilson, Chief Executive of Hydrogen Technologies at JM, echoed Mowill's sentiments, stressing the importance of partnerships such as this in driving forward the hydrogen economy. Wilson emphasized that this strategic agreement with Hystar serves as a crucial validation of JM's electrolyser technology, manufacturing capacity, supply chain access, and commitment to circularity.
