Shantel
Key Takeaways:
- Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies, signs an investment agreement with Shanghai’s Jiading District to bolster the hydrogen economy in China.
- The partnership includes plans for a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) production facility with an initial capacity of up to 5GW, due to be operational by 2025.
- This initiative falls within JM’s £1.1 billion global capital expenditure for the period up to 2024/25, and will include government support and incentives.
Johnson Matthey: A Global Leader in Sustainable Technologies
Founded over 200 years ago, Johnson Matthey (JM) has consistently driven innovation and technological breakthroughs to improve the performance, function, and safety of its customers’ products. The company’s commitment to sustainable technologies has made a significant global impact in sectors such as low emission transport, energy, and chemical processing. With a strong presence in China, JM stands as one of the country’s leading auto catalyst producers, platinum group metals traders and refiners, and a significant player across syngas and hydrogen fuel cells.
A Landmark Investment: Fuelling the Future
At a signing ceremony in Sonning, UK, Johnson Matthey and the Shanghai Jiading District revealed their plans to construct a new catalyst coated membrane (CCM) production facility in the Jiading District of Shanghai. This facility, which will initially span 22,000m² and have a capacity of up to 5GW, is anticipated to be operational in 2025 and is slated to produce CCMs for multiple proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell applications and PEM electrolysers.
“This is a landmark investment for our business as we build our footprint in the US, Europe and now China, cementing our presence in all three major hydrogen markets. We are excited to expand our businesses whilst creating and scaling the low carbon solutions that will help China achieve carbon neutrality by 2060,” said Dr Mark Su, President of Greater China at Johnson Matthey.
The Jiading District: An International Automobile City
Situated in a designated Hydrogen industrial zone, the new facility will strengthen Jiading District’s standing as an international automobile city and a hub for hydrogen technology innovation.
“Jiading District is a famous international automobile city and one of the earliest areas in China to develop a hydrogen industry. With the help of companies like Johnson Matthey, we are able to actively build a hydrogen technologies innovation hub and a national fuel cell vehicle demonstration city. This investment agreement plays to both parties’ strengths and is a win-win cooperation,” Ms. Gao Xiang, Mayor of Jiading District, affirmed.
Catalysing a Greener Future: The Role of Catalyst Coated Membranes
Catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) are integral components in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). As China seeks to have 1 million hydrogen-powered vehicles on its roads by 2030, the new production facility will play a crucial role in reaching this goal.
Johnson Matthey’s latest investment underscores its dedication to sustainable technologies and its commitment to accelerating the global transition towards net-zero emissions. With the development of this new facility, JM will be able to supply existing Chinese and international customers with locally produced CCMs, catering to both fuel cell and renewable hydrogen technologies.
Towards a Hydrogen Economy: A Strategic Blueprint for a Sustainable Future
This agreement with the Jiading District is a significant stride for Johnson Matthey in its journey towards a sustainable future. The move not only signifies an expansion of the company’s footprint in the hydrogen markets of the US, Europe, and China, but it also supports China’s objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
The new CCM production facility represents a significant milestone in Johnson Matthey’s £1.1 billion global stated capital expenditure for the three years leading up to 2024/25. With this initiative, Johnson Matthey continues its pioneering role in sustainable technologies, reasserting its commitment to the global hydrogen economy and a future powered by clean, renewable energy.
