Belgian Collaboration for Greener Future: Innovating Green Hydrogen Technology
Key Ideas
- Belgian companies Agfa and VITO sign a cooperation agreement for innovation in green hydrogen technology, focusing on advanced membranes for alkaline water electrolysis.
- The new facility at Agfa's Mortsel site, supported by the EU Innovation Fund, will have the capacity to support up to 20 GW of energy per year, potentially reducing 15 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
- The collaboration aims to set a new standard for membrane performance, enhancing cost-efficiency and scalability to make green hydrogen technology more accessible for a carbon-neutral future.
- Government officials highlight the partnership as a symbol of Flemish innovation, combining scientific excellence and industrial ambition to advance climate goals and strengthen the region's sustainable industry position.
Belgian technology company Agfa and the Institute for Technological Research VITO from Belgium have recently joined forces to advance innovation in green hydrogen technology. The companies signed a long-term cooperation agreement focused on developing advanced membranes for alkaline water electrolysis, aiming to revolutionize the green hydrogen sector. The agreement was formalized at Agfa's Mortsel facility, currently scaling up its production capacity for ZIRFON technology, supported by the EU Innovation Fund. This new facility, set to open later this year, is projected to handle up to 20 GW of energy annually, potentially preventing 15 million tons of CO2 emissions each year. ZIRFON membranes, utilized as separators in alkaline electrolyzers, are designed to operate effectively under dynamic conditions related to renewable energy sources. Agfa's President, Vincent Wille, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, highlighting its potential to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable world. VITO's CEO, Inge Neven, emphasized the importance of the partnership in driving concrete solutions towards a carbon-neutral future. The Minister-President of Flanders, Matthias Diependaele, lauded the collaboration as exemplary of Flemish innovation, showcasing a blend of scientific expertise and industrial ambition. This partnership not only contributes to Europe's climate objectives but also bolsters Flanders' standing as a global leader in sustainable industry.