On January 16, Schaeffler Hydrogen Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. announced progress. It secured supply contracts for two core products: PEM electrolyzers and fuel cell bipolar plate coatings. These contracts indicate deeper involvement in water electrolysis. They mark a breakthrough in the company's hydrogen fuel cell coating operations.
The PEM electrolyzer contract covers equipment for on-site hydrogen generation. It supports integrated "production, storage, and use" projects. The unit is designed for safety, sustainability, and efficiency. It produces high-purity, high-pressure hydrogen. It operates at high current densities and efficiency levels. This makes it suitable for coupling with volatile renewables like solar and wind. Its compact, modular architecture allows for rapid adaptation to shifting power inputs. This improves system response flexibility.
Image source: Schaeffler (same below)
This is not Schaeffler's first achievement in PEM hydrogen production. The company previously delivered its first commercial PEM system to the Jiading Hydrogen Port. It supported a source-grid-load-storage zero-carbon initiative. The company offered a one-stop service. This spanned pure water preparation, power supply, and gas-water separation. The newly signed integrated project represents another application scenario. It builds on the foundation laid at Jiading.
In the fuel cell sector, Schaeffler Hydrogen secured a bipolar plate coating order. The technology exceeds industry standards. The coating provides high electrochemical corrosion resistance and conductivity. The first batch is set for delivery before the Spring Festival. The technology is moving from laboratory testing to industrial application. Drawing on coating expertise in the automotive and industrial sectors, Schaeffler targets full mass production by 2027. This completes its portfolio of core fuel cell components.
Schaeffler targets the entire hydrogen value chain. This spans production to applications in fuel cells and green steel manufacturing. Amid China's "Dual Carbon" initiative, the company established Hydrogen Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. It specializes in PEM and AEM electrolyzers and fuel cell metal bipolar plates. In April 2025, Schaeffler shipped its first AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) hydrogen production stack. This was a breakthrough in green hydrogen R&D and production. These consecutive orders demonstrate this technical capability.
