Graphmatech, a Swedish cleantech startup, has secured a 2.5 million ($2.9 million USD) EU grant to build a pilot-scale production facility for its graphene-polymer hydrogen storage technology as reported by the Advanced Carbons Council and FuelCellWorks.com. Backed by the Swedish Energy Agency, the project will boost Graphmatech s production capacity from 5 to 200 tonnes annually and address one of the hydrogen economy s most pressing issues: leakage.

The Uppsala-based facility will be the launchpad for Graphmatech s innovative lining material designed for Type 4 hydrogen storage cylinders and pipelines. Leveraging graphene s exceptional gas barrier properties, the solution reduces hydrogen leakage by 83% compared to current systems, addressing both economic inefficiencies and environmental risks.

Moving beyond the lab to industrial-scale validation is a major milestone, said Olivia Nestius, CEO of Graphmatech. This facility positions us to provide Europe with scalable, safe, and efficient hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen leakage has gained renewed urgency in the decarbonization debate. A 2024 Environmental Defense Fund report warns that hydrogen s short-term global warming impact may be significantly underestimated. Further, CICERO estimates that hydrogen has a 100-year global warming potential nearly 12 times higher than CO2 per kilogram released, underscoring the importance of leakage mitigation for climate targets.

Unlike traditional high-barrier materials that are often cost-prohibitive or difficult to integrate, Graphmatech s drop-in graphene-polymer solution is compatible with existing storage systems, requiring minimal modification. This enables faster deployment and broader adoption across hydrogen infrastructure.

The new production facility will not only meet growing industrial demand but also support real-world deployments. By 2027, the company plans to have its technology installed in approximately 1,500 commercial hydrogen-powered vehicles, significantly contributing to the EU s hydrogen and climate goals.

Graphmatech has also partnered with Levidian, a UK firm specializing in low-emission LOOP technology that co-produces hydrogen and graphene. Together, the companies aim to close the loop on material sourcing and carbon reduction, offering a practical, scalable solution for clean hydrogen deployment.

Source: fuelcellsworks.com