The new company will be using metal hydrides, a compound consisting of a metal alloy and hydrogen, for the storage of the gas. The hydrogen is bonded to the metal, producing a particularly safe and reliable method of storage, says Shell.
“Shell Hydrogen believes that the availability of a safe, compact, reliable and affordable storage system will be a key enabler for the hydrogen economy and is very pleased to be a strategic and financial contributor to this joint venture,” said Don Huberts, Chief Executive Officer of Shell Hydrogen.
Hydro-Québec, from Canada, the second company in the alliance, has been active in the development of new hydrogen storage materials for around 10 years, and the third company, Gesellschaft für Elektrometallurgie (GfE), based in Germany, has 20 years of experience in manufacturing hydrogen storage alloys and complete hydrogen storage systems.
“We are very pleased that the company will soon be established; with a portfolio of products including those developed and produced up to now by GfE,” said Achim Buchloh, Joint Managing Director of DfE. “We are convinced that it will be a significant force in the market.”