Toppan Enters Hydrogen Energy Market with Electrode Component Production
19 August 2023: Toppan, a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials and electronics solutions, has installed production equipment for Catalyst Coated Membrane (CCM)/Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) at its Kochi Plant in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Aiming to enter hydrogen energy market, Toppan is using a first-of-its-kind proprietary manufacturing method to enable mass production of high-performance, high-quality CCM/MEAs and is launching sales in August.
CCM/MEAs are core components of water electrolysis equipment for hydrogen production, electrolyzers related to hydrogen storage and transportation, and fuel cells that use hydrogen. As energy conversion devices, they will be essential for the creation of a hydrogen-based society in the future.
With the equipment installed, Toppan can mass produce sheet-type CCM/MEAs. This is made possible by leveraging Toppan’s manufacturing technologies, such as base sheet transfer and uniform coating on large surfaces, a technique developed in the manufacture of large color filters.
“Toppan’s original technology will enable us to mass produce high-quality CCM/MEAs and also meet the needs of each user,” said Jin Endo, Managing Executive Officer of R&D Strategy and Business Development at Toppan. “Going forward, we will scale up and bolster equipment in step with the growth of the business as we ensure a stable supply of CCM/MEAs for every application to help drive the creation of a hydrogen-based society.”
Countries and regions around the world have set target figures and launched policy initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050. Japan is advancing a range of initiatives, including the use of renewable energy, efforts to establish a hydrogen-based society, and development of carbon recycling technologies. Hydrogen in particular is viewed as having significant potential as an energy source because it can be generated from water, an abundant resource, and no CO2 is emitted.
CCM/MEAs are important components for practical use of hydrogen in society. High energy conversion efficiency, durability, and stable supply to the market are required. To address these needs, Toppan began research and development on CCM/MEAs in 2004. By leveraging coating and sheet transfer technologies developed in the manufacture of large color filters, Toppan has now created a system for mass production of high-performance, high-quality sheet-type CCM/MEAs and is launching sales in August.
www.toppan.com
