Johnson Matthey announced on Wednesday intentions to jointly develop high-performance electrolyser technology with Plug Power, Kallanish reports.

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development, validation and incorporation of JM’s advanced materials in Plug Power’s leading electrolyser systems. They want to offer electrolyser technology with improved durability, increased performance and greater energy efficiency than systems currently available.

The potential partnership will also look into developing a closed loop recycling system for the critical platinum group metals (PGM) used as catalysts in these systems. By aligning their complementary expertise and capabilities, they “strongly believe” they can contribute to the creation of a hydrogen economy.

“We’re excited to take our relationship with Plug Power to the next level, working together to drive the development of world leading technologies with significantly improved performance and an integrated plan for recycling key materials,” comments Eugene McKenna, managing director, Green Hydrogen, JM.

Plug Power’s VP Operations, Rick Mason, explains that the new generation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers will require solutions that are able to meet the increasing demands on efficiency and performance. The collaboration with JM should drive the integration of leading electrolyser component technology and “bring another vital element to reach a fully sustainable green hydrogen economy,” he adds.

The US-based electrolyser manufacturer plans to expand its green hydrogen production capacity to 500 tonnes/day in the US by 2025, and 1,000 t/d globally by 2028.