Johnson Matthey Acquires Battery Tech for Green Hydrogen

Specialty chemicals maker Johnson Matthey has acquired the assets and intellectual property of UK battery start-up Oxis Energy as it targets green hydrogen opportunities.

Oxford-based Oxis Energy was a lithium-sulphur battery developer with assets that can be adapted for the manufacture of components for green hydrogen production.

The company entered administration on 19 May 2021.
The transaction will “significantly accelerate” the scale-up of Johnson Matthey's growing green hydrogen business further expanding its ability to develop, test, and manufacture catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) and advanced materials for electrolysers.

The site will enable the production of tens of thousands of catalyst coated membrane parts per year – enough to equip hundreds of megawatts of electrolyser capacity.

Johnson Matthey chief executive Robert MacLeod said: "We are delighted to secure this acquisition.

“The capability this opportunity delivers will enable our green hydrogen business to accelerate the scale-up of CCM production in line with market demand.

“The purchase of these assets further demonstrates our commitment to developing a low carbon economy and progressing towards net zero."