Kolon Industries Establishes Mass Production System for Hydrogen Vehicle Membranes

Completion of Mass Production Line for Hydrogen Vehicle Membranes at Gumi Plant, Production to Start Next Year

Application of Kolon’s Independently Developed MEA, Strengthening Competitiveness in Core Fuel Cell Materials

Expecting Expansion Effects into ESS and Water Electrolysis Based on Fuel Cell Business Foundation

[Asia Economy Reporter So-yeon Park] Kolon Industries, Inc. has established a mass production system for membranes (polymer electrolyte membranes, PEM), a core material for hydrogen vehicle fuel cells. This lays the groundwork to secure a leading position in the core fuel cell materials market in line with the activation of the hydrogen economy.

On the 19th, Kolon Industries, Inc. announced that it has completed the PEM mass production line within its Gumi plant this month and will begin production next year after trial operations. This comes about a year after deciding to invest in mass production of fluorine-based PEM ahead of hydrocarbon-based PEM last September to accelerate commercialization.

PEM is one of the four main components of hydrogen fuel cells and serves as a selective permeable membrane. Hydrogen gas introduced from outside is separated into hydrogen ions and electrons at the electrode layer, and these electrons generate electric current along the conductor.

Through this facility establishment, Kolon Industries, Inc. has also secured the production base for membrane electrode assemblies (MEA), which are made by combining PEM with electrodes.

The company already holds patents for interface control technology that can simultaneously enhance the optimal performance and durability of MEA in the bonding between PEM and electrodes. Kolon Industries, Inc. is the only domestic company producing both PEM and MEA simultaneously, which is expected to resolve early-stage market uncertainties such as raw material supply, performance, and pricing.

In particular, the newly operated PEM mass production equipment can also produce membranes used in redox flow batteries for energy storage systems (ESS), a rapidly growing market, and in water electrolysis technology for eco-friendly hydrogen production. The hydrocarbon-based PEM, which holds technological superiority globally, is also under research and development aiming for early commercialization, gradually expanding opportunities in hydrogen and eco-friendly businesses.

According to industry estimates, by 2025, when hydrogen vehicle production becomes full-scale, MEA is expected to account for more than 3 trillion KRW and PEM more than 1 trillion KRW in the global fuel cell market, with even more explosive growth anticipated thereafter. Lee Moo-seok, Executive Director in charge of Kolon Industries, Inc.’s fuel cell business, said, “With the establishment of this PEM mass production facility, we expect faster business growth through synergy with our existing moisture control device business capabilities,” adding, “We will solidify our position as a global leader with outstanding technology.”

Kolon Industries, Inc. is accelerating not only PEM but also MEA development. Starting with phased sales in the domestic building market from next year, the company plans to expand facilities aiming for mass production and sales in 2022. The company has already secured independent technology through a license agreement with Gore in 2016, technology introduction, and acquisition of Samsung SDI’s research facilities and key patents. Based on this, it plans to participate in fuel cell system development projects of customers to enter the rapidly expanding Chinese drive market and European automotive market expected to grow sharply from 2022 to 2025.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.