Launch of the OBI-1 project to develop innovative bipolar plates

Hutchinson, winner of the France 2030 ‘Hydrogen technology brick’

Hutchinson, winner of the France 2030 ‘Hydrogen technology brick’ call for projects operated by ADEME, is launching the OBI-1 project to develop economical, high-performance bipolar plates for fuel cells.

Led by the Precision Sealing Systems activity and the Innovation & Research Center, this 43-months project aims to develop composite and metal plates with optimized sealing systems, which are essential for the efficiency and cost of fuel cells. The teams will focus on research into new materials, assembly technologies, and associated sealing systems, while improving transverse conductivity, enhancing corrosion resistance, and perfecting elastomeric sealing with low chemical release.

By 2028, Hutchinson will be able to offer bipolar plate solutions with integrated sealing systems:

Increased compactness to create smaller stacks or generate more power for the same footprint, improved functional performance and simplified stack assembly.

Large-scale production in France to maintain French leadership in H2 technology.