CIMC-Hexagon delivers its first Type 4 H2 tanks to Europe

CIMC-Hexagon (Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, China), a joint venture company between CIMC Enric Holdings Ltd. (Shenzhen, China) and Hexagon Purus (Ålesund, Norway), has delivered its first batch of Type 4 high-pressure hydrogen cylinders for use in Hexagon Purus’ hydrogen distribution modules in Europe.

CIMC-Hexagon focuses on the production of hydrogen cylinder and systems solutions for mobility and infrastructure applications in China and Southeast Asia. It has obtained European transportable pressure equipment directive (TPED) certification, enabling delivery of hydrogen storage solutions to the European market. Consequently, the newly completed manufacturing facility in Shijiazhuang is now ramping up with production of 380-bar distribution cylinders intended for customers in Europe. This initial phase is an important step in achieving certification for Type 4 high-pressure hydrogen cylinders for the domestic Chinese market.

Type 4 hydrogen storage vessels are characterized by lightweight design, high-pressure tolerance, optimal hydrogen storage density, corrosion resistance and extended lifespan, making it the preferred hydrogen technology for bulk hauling and onboard storage in mobility applications.

The Chinese market has relied predominantly on Type 3 technology for these types of storage applications. However, in June 2024, China officially implemented domestic production standards for Type 4 cylinders to enable localized manufacturing and sales, which will reportedly accelerate the commercialization of Type 4 cylinder technology. CIMC-Hexagon is currently going through the process to achieve Chinese certification and to scale up production to meet the growing demand in China and Southeast Asia.

“To address the rapidly growing market demand for Type 4 cylinder technology, we are building robust production and service capabilities for China and Southeast Asia,” emphasizes Li Hui, general manager of CIMC-Hexagon. “The delivery of these hydrogen cylinders to Europe is a critical step to develop local certification in China as well as ramping up production capacity.”