BASF Launches Fuel Cell Development Center in Japan

Tokyo, May 23, 2008; Major German chemical maker BASF said Friday it has established a development center for fuel cell parts in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, central Japan.

The new center will develop parts for fuel cells for electronic devices, such as notebook personal computers, and fuel cells to power home and hospitals. BASF will supply the parts to fuel cell makers in Japan, company officials said.

BASF said it expects the global fuel cell market to expand to about one billion euro in 2010 and 20 billion euro in 2020. The company aims to boost global sales in its fuel cell business to 150-200 million euro by 2015, it said.