Schaeffler and Symbio have effectively joined forces at Innoplate to mass-produce next-generation metallic BPPs for fuel cells and support the emergence of hydrogen-clean mobility. Innoplate aims to accelerate the production of next-generation BPPs for the entire PEM fuel cell market, thus enhancing performance, capacity, and cost competitiveness for its customers. Schaeffler brings its industrial excellence and OEM expertise in areas such as steel processing and coating technology, while Symbio contributes its highly integrated know-how in fuel cell design and production. Production at Innoplate started in the first quarter of the year and is already equipping Symbio fuel cell systems.
Located in the French city of Haguenau, close to the German border, the Innoplate plant will contribute to strengthening the European hydrogen industry and supply chain, which is set to play a key role in decarbonizing the economy and mobility. With the start of operations at the Innoplate plant, this is the first time that bipolar plates are being mass-produced on the European continent, according to the company. The Innoplate plant project is supported by the France 2030 program and is intended to play a positive role in the local employer pool, creating 120 jobs by 2030. The site, which is located in close proximity to the Schaeffler plant in Haguenau, was built according to highest sustainability standards and ensures net zero-emission operations.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, said: “At Schaeffler we are convinced that hydrogen will play a fundamental role in the sustainable mobility of tomorrow, especially in the heavy-duty area. By starting the production of next generation bipolar plates for fuel cells in our joint venture Innoplate together with Symbio, we are proud that our innovative production technologies and industrial know-how can contribute to both cleaner and climate friendly mobility, and to strengthen the Franco-German partnership.”
Philippe Rosier, CEO of Symbio, stated: “Fuel cell bipolar plates are a critical component of fuel cell systems. Innoplate serial production capability is instrumental in order to secure our strategic sourcing and enable enhanced system performance and an effective step-up in cost competitiveness. Symbio is honored to join forces with Schaeffler to reinforce the European supply chain for hydrogen fuel cells with an innovative production system and a cutting-edge technology.”
