Umicore and Solvay launch Solvicore to develop and supply core technology for fuel cell industry

Joint Venture for Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) Started Operations

27-Jul-2006

Umicore and Solvay announced that operations have started earlier this month at SolviCore, their joint venture for the research, development, production and sales of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) and related compounds, to be used in Fuel Cell (FC) applications. The 50-50 percent joint venture is based in Hanau, at Umicore's main R&D site in Germany and will employ 34 people in the first stage of its development. The European Commission considers that SolviCore raises no competition concerns and cleared its creation last June under the simplified merger review procedure.

In parallel with the start of its own activities, SolviCore intends to apply for European Union research funding available under the 7th Framework programme (2007-2013). Hydrogen power and fuel cells have already been identified among the priorities of European Union research efforts aiming at fostering sustainable development and environmentally friendly transport.

Umicore and Solvay have the ambition to play a major role in the emerging fuel cells technology. In the JV they will assemble electrocatalysts with polymer membranes to develop and manufacture the Membrane Electrode Assembly, the reactor where hydrogen reacts with oxygen to generate electricity.

The parent companies will continue their respective activities in catalysts and membranes in full ownership, outside of the JV.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/56620/umicore-and-solvay-launch-solvicore-to-develop-and-supply-core-technology-for-fuel-cell-industry.html