October 5, 2023
Furuya and Toshiba commenced talks on alliance to build a stable supply network for Iridium ~Building a stable supply chain for iridium toward the realization of a green hydrogen society~
Furuya Metal Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo, President: Takahito Furuya, hereinafter referred to as "Furuya") announced today it has agreed a memorandum of understanding with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Headquarters:
Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President & CEO: Tadasu Yotsuyanagi, hereinafter referred to as "Toshiba ESS") on exploring a business alliance to build a stable supply network for iridium, which is used as a core component of PEM*¹ water electrolysis device.
PEM is attracting attention for the production of green hydrogen recently. Furuya will support the spread of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) by using the iridium-saving unique sputtering*² method technically developed by Toshiba ESS and contribute to the
realization of a green society.
PEM water electrolysis is drawing attention as a method for producing green hydrogen because it shows better adaptability to fluctuations in electricity generated by renewable energy and more excellent durability compared with other water electrolysis devices. MEA is used in PEM type water electrolysis device and attracting attention as a vital component that affects its durability and performance. Further reduction in use of iridium, the core component, has been desired to meet rapidly increasing demand against its limited production volume worldwide.
Furuya has strengths in high purification, fabrication and alloying technology of iridium and takes pride in being one of the largest companies that deal with iridium. Furthermore, Furuya is capable of recycling precious metals efficiently in a short period of time. Its recycling technology enables recovery of not only precious metals contained in used products but also those in the manufacturing process or in the finished products.
Toshiba ESS is developing MEA for water electrolysis device that produces high-performance and large capacity hydrogen production. Toshiba ESS has the unique technology that reduces use of iridium, which is scarce and expensive yet indispensable for MEA, to one -tenth and achieves high performance and durability of the PEM water electrolysis device.
Taking this opportunity, Furuya and Toshiba ESS will work together to contribute to the sustainable development of the green hydrogen market and the realization of a carbonneutral society by leveraging the strengths of the respective technologies.
*1: PEM(Proton Exchange Membrane)
*2: Technology to form ultra-thin films in the manufacture of semiconductors and electronic devices in general
About Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation
Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS), wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, handles Toshiba Group’s energy businesses.
With its long experience and expertise in a wide range of power generation and transmission systems, and in energy management technologies, the company delivers innovative, reliable, and efficient energy solutions across the globe.
Toshiba ESS was separated from Toshiba in October 2017.
Find out more about Toshiba ESS at https://www.global.toshiba/ww/company/energy.html
About FURUYA METAL CO. LTD.
Furuya Metal has been focusing on developing technologies of fabrication and purification of Iridium and Ruthenium for years, and has established a complete loop of the materials, starting from the stable supply from the mines to manufacturing of the products and recycling from all kinds of scraps.
Furuya is a world leading company for Iridium and contributing to the transition to Green Society.
Find out more about Furuya Metal at https://www.furuyametals.co.jp/english/
For inquiries
General Affairs & CSR Dept.
FURUYA METAL CO., LTD.
TEL. +81-3-5977-3377
Email. ir@furuyametals.co.jp