A strong player with experience

BASF Fuel Cell is a strong partner with broad experience. The company was incorporated in April 2007, but integrates decades of fuel cell experience by several key players in the fuel cell industry.

BASF Fuel Cell combines the fuel cell products and expertise of Engelhard, PEMEAS, E-TEK, Hoechst and Celanese with the capabilities of the largest chemical company, BASF. By doing so, a strong player with a clear strategic commitment now serves the fuel cell industry with state-of-the-art components and innovative technologies.

November 2009

Realignment of the fuel cell business

As of January 1, 2010, all activities concerning the MEA for high temperature PEM fuel cells will be concentrated in Somerset, NJ, including production of precursor products and MEAs, research and development, marketing and sales, and general management. The Frankfurt site will be closed.

May 2009

BASF opened its fuel cell production facility in Somerset, NJ

The modern facility uses advanced production and automation technologies to fabricate ready-for-use high temperature membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). On site, BASF also produces all the precursor products, namely the membrane, catalyst and gas diffusion electrodes.

April 2007

Incorporation of BASF Fuel Cell

BASF acquired PEMEAS GmbH in December 2006. After a phase of transition, BASF Fuel Cell was founded in April 2007 to continue all fuel cell activities of BASF AG, PEMEAS, and Engelhard. The company has a unique product portfolio for the fuel cell industry including MEAs for high and low temperature PEM fuel cells, gas diffusion materials & electrodes, and catalysts for fuel cells and reformers.

October 2005

PEMEAS acquired E-TEK

By acquiring E-TEK Division (New Jersey) of DeNora, PEMEAS integrated its supplier of gas diffusion electrodes and thus improved its position in the value chain. In addition, E-TEK contributed to the product portfolio with a variety of products for low temperature PEM-based fuel cells.

April 2004

PEMEAS founded by Investors

Several Venture Capital Funds, strategic investors and Celanese founded PEMEAS to continue the fuel cell activities of Celanese Ventures, thus the former Hoechst fuel cell activities. It was the largest deal in the materials industry in Europe in 2004. Due to its unique technology, PEMEAS received several awards such as the innovation award of the German Industry.

January 2002

BASF identifies fuel cells as growth area energy management

BASF becomes involved in fuel cell technology. BASF corporate research starts to develop new membranes for fuel cells. In addition, BASF continues its activities as a leading supplier of catalysts for reformation of hydro carbons. BASF Future Business merges those activities and links them with market and customer requirements. In addition, the company assesses potential acquisitions to strengthen BASF.