Hexagon, through CIMC, delivers initial high-pressure hydrogen cylinders of Type IV to Europe
In the rapidly evolving hydrogen market, CIMC-Hexagon, a joint venture specialising in high-pressure composite cylinders, has made significant strides. The company has recently obtained European TPED certification for delivering hydrogen storage solutions to the European market, marking a milestone in its global expansion.
In China, the company's efforts are focused on ramping up cylinder production. This is a significant step towards obtaining necessary approvals in China, a market that Michael Kleschinski, EVP of Hydrogen Mobility and Infrastructure at Hexagon Purus, considers attractive. The newly completed cylinder manufacturing facility in Shijiazhuang is now ramping up production of 380 bar distribution cylinders for European customers.
China's ambition to lead in hydrogen technologies is highlighted as an opportunity for hydrogen distribution and mobility applications. In line with this, China officially implemented domestic production standards for Type IV cylinders in June 2024, enabling localized manufacturing and sales. Li Hui, General Manager of CIMC-Hexagon, is building robust production and service capabilities for China and Southeast Asia.
The current status of Type IV high-pressure hydrogen cylinder production in China shows active investment and expansion with new dedicated production facilities being established. Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co., Ltd., for instance, is setting up a new production line for Type-IV cylinders in Qingpu District, Shanghai, planned to be operational by end of 2026. This reflects a growing capacity and infrastructure development for Type IV cylinders in China.
Regarding Southeast Asia, there is no direct specific information on Type IV cylinder production facilities. However, the region is experiencing increased hydrogen demand and supply activities focused on industrial feedstock use and green hydrogen production projects, indicating a growing regional market and related infrastructure development in hydrogen technology more broadly.
CIMC-Hexagon, with its strong partnership with CIMC Enric, is well-positioned to capitalise on these trends. Although recent updates or future outlook details are not explicitly mentioned in current search results, given CIMC-Hexagon’s global leadership in Type IV cylinder technology and China’s ongoing investments in hydrogen cylinder production capacity, it is reasonable to infer that CIMC-Hexagon is likely to benefit from this expansion trend in China and potentially Southeast Asia, aligning with broader market growth and government-supported hydrogen energy initiatives.
Xu Yongsheng, President of Hydrogen Business Center of CIMC Enric, emphasises the importance of ramping up production capacity to meet market demand. CIMC-Hexagon is currently going through the process to achieve Chinese certification and to scale up production to meet the growing demand in China and Southeast Asia. Hexagon Purus, a strategic partner of CIMC-Hexagon, is also keen on tapping into the Chinese market with its competitive offering in hydrogen distribution and mobility applications.
In conclusion, the hydrogen market is experiencing a surge in China and Southeast Asia, with Type IV cylinder production facilities expanding in China and hydrogen demand rising in Southeast Asia. CIMC-Hexagon, with its European TPED certification and global leadership in Type IV cylinder technology, is poised to capitalise on these trends and continue its innovation and production capacity expansion.
References:
- CIMC - Hexagon Delivers First Type IV High-Pressure Hydrogen Cylinders to Europe
- China implements domestic production standards for Type IV hydrogen cylinders
- Hydrogen demand and supply activities in Southeast Asia
- In line with the rising demand for hydrogen storage solutions in China and Southeast Asia, the finance sector may see increased investment opportunities in the hydrogen industry, particularly in companies like CIMC-Hexagon, which boasts strong technology and global leadership in Type IV hydrogen cylinder production.
- As China continues its investments in hydrogen cylinder production capacity and CIMC-Hexagon strives to scale up production to meet the growing demand, partnerships with companies like Hexagon Purus, which are keen on tapping into the Chinese market with their competitive offerings in hydrogen distribution and mobility applications, could significantly impact the energy sector's future.
