GM, Honda Forge Green Hydrogen Partnership

GM and Honda joined forces to start production of hydrogen fuel cell systems through Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM), a joint venture that commenced production in Brownstown, Michigan, following a collaborative investment of US$85 million in January 2017. This 70,000ft2 facility has created 80 jobs and marks the first manufacturing joint venture for hydrogen fuel cell systems in the transportation sector.

"GM and Honda have formed the first joint venture for manufacturing of fuel cell systems for transportation and other sectors,” said Suheb Haq, President, FCSM. The collaboration, initiated in 2013, brought together Honda and GM engineers to develop the next-gen fuel cell system, enhancing durability and performance.

Tetsuo Suzuki, Vice President of FCSM, emphasized the integration of Honda and GM strengths, creating a highly capable production system. Their focus on mass production, attention to detail, and a commitment to high quality positions them to meet customer needs and usher in the hydrogen era.

Through a synergy of expertise, both companies prioritized reducing development and manufacturing costs, leveraging economies of scale, advancing cell design, and streamlining auxiliary equipment support. As a result, the new fuel cell systems are projected to be one-third less expensive to manufacture than the 2019 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell system.

Significant efforts at FCSM aim to ensure high-quality levels while enhancing manufacturing productivity. Pioneering automation methods for electrode membrane assembly and fuel cell assembly underscore the company’s commitment to affordable and commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell systems.

Israel Hurtado, President of the Mexican Association of Hydrogen and Sustainable Mobility (AMH2), underscores the potential of green hydrogen to revolutionize Mexico's manufacturing landscape. Novel industries, including electrolyzer, storage tank, and hydrogen-powered electric turbine production, could emerge. Studies suggest Mexico could save up to 64% in green hydrogen production costs, fostering potential exports to Europe and Asia.

Green hydrogen's potential impact is monumental, with projections of up to 3.2 million jobs, attracting US$60 billion in investments, and preventing 53 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2050, according to AMH2. However, despite this potential, Mexico faces infrastructure challenges, lagging 15 years behind industry leaders like Germany and the US, warns TÜV Rheinland.

While delays in electrolyzer deliveries due to the pandemic and high production costs pose challenges, the demand for green hydrogen in European markets remains a driving force. Collaboration and policy implementation are deemed crucial to propelling Mexico's green hydrogen industry forward, making the country a key player in the global energy transition.