Faurecia to Open R&D Center for Hydrogen Tanks

Faurecia SA plans to open a center of expertise for hydrogen storage systems at the company’s research and development center in Bavans, France.

Due to begin operations next spring, the hydrogen center eventually will employ about 50 researchers. The team will focus on reducing the weight and improving the storage efficiency of high-pressure tanks.

Faurecia expects fuel cell-powered models will account for 2% of new vehicle sales worldwide by 2030. Last year, the supplier formed a partnership with France’s Stelia Aerospace Composites to adapt that company’s aerospace hydrogen tanks for automotive applications.

Faurecia also is developing tank pressure valves and regulators, and it is partnering with CEA (France’s Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) on a next-generation fuel cell stack design.