The agreement will encompass cylinder and systems production in order to support the roll out of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen distribution.

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In order to support the growing Chinese hydrogen industry, the production facility will be developed in the Beijing Daxing District International Hydrogen Development Zone.

By doing this, construction of the new composite cylinder and systems manufacturing facility in Shijiazhuang is expected to commence in Q2 2022, and the facility will house Type three and Type four hydrogen cylinder production and systems assembly capacity.

These facilities will set a benchmark for highly automated production of composite hydrogen pressure vessels from 350 to 700 bar which will then be exported to Chinese and Southeast Asian markets.

Production of the hydrogen fuel storage systems will not only support on-road hydrogen mobility solutions but is expected to be utilised in both rail and maritime applications as well.

Morten Holum, CEO of Hexagon Purus, said, “As part of our global expansion program, CIMC-Hexagon will become the hub for high quality and highly automated manufacturing of high-pressure composite hydrogen storage cylinders and systems for China and Southeast Asia.

“We are looking forward to making a contribution to the local transportation sector, addressing the substantial growth potential for hydrogen technology in the region as a reliable supplier of advanced technology.”