Umicore and Solvay announce today that operations have started earlier this month at SolviCore, their joint venture for the research, development, production and sales of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) and related compounds, to be used in Fuel Cell (FC) applications. The 50-50 percent joint venture is based in Hanau, at Umicore's main R&D site in Germany and will employ 34 people in the first stage of its development.

The European Commission considers that SolviCore raises no competition concerns and cleared its creation last June under the simplified merger review procedure.

In parallel with the start of its own activities, SolviCore intends to apply for European Union research funding available under the 7th Framework programme (2007-2013).

Umicore and Solvay have the ambition to play a major role in the emerging fuel cells technology. In the Joint Venture they will assemble electrocatalysts with polymer membranes to develop and manufacture the Membrane Electrode Assembly.

The parent companies will continue their respective activities in catalysts and membranes in full ownership, outside of the JV. 

Background:
The MEA is the core of the fuel cell: it consists of a membrane which separates the electrode-catalyst material coated on both surfaces of the membrane to allow for the chemical transformation of fuel into electricity. The catalytic process on the anode (oxidation of fuel) and the cathode (reduction of oxygen) sides of the membrane generate electricity, heat and oxidation waste products. Mainly methanol (portable applications) and hydrogen (stationary and automotive applications) are used as fuel. The advantages of the fuel cell-technology are the higher energy yield and density and in the case of automotive, generates water as a waste product.