Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with Safran Power Units, a leader in auxiliary power systems and turbojet engines. Leveraging Advent's proprietary Ion Pair™? Membrane Electrode Assembly ("MEA") technology, and Safran Aerospace knowledge and capabilities, this new collaboration will seek to advance the development of next-generation high-temperature proton exchange membrane ("HT-PEM") fuel cell technology, specifically for the aerospace sector.

HT-PEM enables more efficient heat management versus low temperature-PEM ("LT-PEM"). It is more adapted for applications requiring high amounts of power combined with strong integration constraints such as aviation. HT-PEM is more robust and can withstand toughest conditions, such as extreme temperatures and pollution, versus LT-PEM.

The collaboration is further supported by a strong research consortium including Safran Tech (the Research & Technology Center of Safran Group), the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, Fraunhofer Institute, the French National Centre for Scientific Research, the University of Strasbourg, and the IMDEA Energy Institute. Led by Safran Power Units and with the support of Advent, the consortium has secured a grant for the Clean Hydrogen PartnershipTC3-08 NIMPHEA Project. Running from 2023 to 2026, the project is funded by Horizon Europe.

NIMPHEA Project's main objective is to develop an aircraft-compatible, next-generation HT-PEM MEA. This involves optimizing and enhancing various components such as the catalyst layer, membrane, and gas diffusion layer. Advent's Ion Pair™?

MEA technology serves as the foundation for these advancements. As part of the newly signed MoU, Advent and Safran Power Units are exploring a Joint Development Agreement for the advancement of HT-PEM fuel cells in aviation and for enhancing Advent's supply capability.