SFC Energy AG and Johnson Matthey expand their strategic partnership to focus on hydrogen fuel cells and conclude technology transfer for direct methanol fuel cell systems

SFC Energy AG and Johnson Matthey expand their strategic partnership to focus on hydrogen fuel cells and conclude technology transfer for direct methanol fuel cell systems

• Accelerating the hydrogen economy through joint research and intention to work together in the field of hydrogen fuel cells for stationary applications
• SFC acquires Johnson Matthey assets and technology for the production of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) – Increased value-added share of direct methanol fuel cells from SFC
• Start of MEA series production for DMFCs in the fourth quarter of 2023

Brunnthal/Munich, April 18, 2023 - SFC Energy AG (F3C:DE, ISIN: DE0007568578, SFC), a leading supplier of hydrogen and direct methanol fuel cells for stationary and mobile hybrid power solutions, and Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies, have extended their strategic hydrogen partnership with the aim of accelerating joint value creation in the fast-growing hydrogen fuel cell market. Under this partnership, JM commits to developing and supplying proton exchange membrane components (PEMs) for the H2-PEM stack developed by SFC Energy, the core of the SFC hydrogen fuel cell. With more than 60,000 fuel cells sold worldwide, SFC is expanding its range of higher-power hydrogen fuel cells for stationary markets.

The long-term collaboration between SFC and JM has to date centered around the supply of components for SFC's direct methanol fuel cell systems (DMFC). Now, SFC and JM have entered into a technology transfer agreement, contractually agreeing that SFC Energy will acquire Johnson Matthey's assets and technology for the production of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) at SFC's new development and production site near Swindon, UK. Thus, SFC Energy expands its core competencies by adding DMFC membrane technology and will be able to produce the essential fuel cell components itself in the future. In this way, SFC Energy secures a stable supply chain and significantly increases the value-added share for methanol fuel cells by integrating component production. SFC Energy will thus also take over the upcoming developments of the DMFC MEA to make processes more efficient and to implement material savings and cost efficiencies. SFC Energy plans to start series production in the fourth quarter of 2023.

In addition, both companies have entered into a long-term supply agreement in which JM commits to supply catalysts for DMFC fuel cells to SFC Energy for at least five years. In this way, SFC Energy creates price stability and secures its high-quality standards over a long-term period.

Looking to the future, SFC and JM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) detailing their intention to work together in the field of hydrogen fuel cells for stationary applications, where PEM components will be developed under a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with the intent that JM supplies these components for at least five years.

Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Energy AG, says: "We have now been given the opportunity by Johnson Matthey to obtain assets and technology for the production of components for DMFCs. This is not something that can be taken for granted and is evidence of a strong partnership that has been in place for about 20 years. We are expanding our fuel cell competencies and will benefit greatly from the agreement with the target of cost reduction and further performance enhancement. We are pleased that Johnson Matthey will continue to be at our side. The long-term supply of catalysts for DMFC and the agreement to work on hydrogen PEM components shows that we are convinced of the quality of Johnson Matthey and will continue to rely on this proven partnership. With the agreements now in place, we will be able to master decarbonization faster and more consistently and further advance hydrogen fuel cell technology."

Mark Wilson, Chief Executive of Hydrogen Technologies at Johnson Matthey, says: "The evolution of our partnership with SFC Energy to focus on PEM components demonstrates how our technology, manufacturing capabilities, and expertise make us ideal long-term partners for our customers. It is an important step in the implementation of our strategy."

Hydrogen fuel cell-powered generators are an ultra-low carbon alternative to those powered by fossil fuels. They provide all the same advantages as diesel-powered generators in terms of fast start-up times and can supply a wide range of power requirements, but have zero emissions. SFC has been successfully focussing on the market for backup and off-grid power supplies for industrial, public security and private customers and has built a leading market position.

For more information on SFC Energy's Clean Energy and Clean Power Management solutions, visit sfc.com.

About SFC Energy AG

SFC Energy AG (www.sfc.com) is a leading supplier of hydrogen and methanol fuel cells for stationary and mobile hybrid power solutions. With its Clean Energy and Clean Power Management business areas, SFC Energy AG is a sustainably profitable fuel cell producer. The company sells its award-winning products worldwide and has sold more than 60,000 fuel cells to date. Headquartered in Brunnthal near Munich, Germany, the company operates production sites in the Netherlands, Romania and Canada. SFC Energy AG is listed in the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange and has been part of the SDAX selection index since 2022 (WKN: 756857, ISIN: DE0007568578).

About Johnson Matthey

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies, catalysing the net zero transition. With over 200 years of sustained commitment to innovation and technological breakthroughs, we improve the performance, function and safety of our customers’ products. Our science has a global impact in areas such as low-emission transport, energy, chemical processing and making the most efficient use of the planet’s natural resources. Today, about 13,000 Johnson Matthey professionals collaborate with our network of customers and partners to make a real difference to the world around us. For more information visit www.matthey.com

SFC IR Contact:
Susan Hoffmeister
Phone +49 89 125 09 03-33
Email: susan.hoffmeister@sfc.com
Web: sfc.com

SFC Press Contact:
Marc Bächle
Phone +49 89 125 09 03-32
Email: pr@sfc.com
Web: sfc.com

Johnson Matthey Contact:
Phone: +44 207 269 8001
Email: jmpr@matthey.com
Web: matthey.com