Innoplate inaugurated new French factory. Four million fuel cell bipolar plates per year will be produced
The initial current production capacity will be 4 million bipolar plates, Innoplate is expected to reach 50 million annually by 2030, thus, strongly contributing to the ramp-up of hydrogen mobility in Europe. Located in the French city of Haguenau, close to German border, the Innoplate plant is the first one where bipolar plates are mass-produced on the European continent.
Innoplate, the 50:50 joint venture shared by Schaeffler and Symbio, has inaugurated its brand-new factory located in Haguenau, France. The factory will produce fuel cell bipolar plates (BPP), indeed a strategic component for fuel cell technology. The initial current production capacity will be 4 million bipolar plates, Innoplate is expected to reach 50 million annually by 2030, thus, strongly contributing to the ramp-up of hydrogen mobility in Europe.
Fuel cell bipolar plates produced in Europe for the first time
Located in the French city of Haguenau, close to German border, the Innoplate plant is the first one where bipolar plates are mass-produced on the European continent. The 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.
More into details, Schaeffler brings its industrial excellence and OEM expertise in areas such as steel processing and coating technology, and Symbio its highly integrated know-how in fuel cell design and production. Innoplate production has started in the first quarter of the year and is already equipping Symbio fuel cell systems.
Statements from Schaeffler and Symbio
“At Schaeffler we are convinced that hydrogen will play a fundamental role in the sustainable mobility of tomorrow, especially in the heavy-duty area”, said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG. “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, added: “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.”
