UAC (UMOE Advanced Composites) has sent the first international commercial MEGC (Multi-Element Gas Container) shipment from its facility in Jiaxing, China, to Australia. This shipment, as a technological achievement, includes the first Type IV glass pressure cylinders produced in China.
Facility Details and Production Capacity
The 12,000 square meter UAC facility in Jiaxing has the capacity to produce up to 20,000 composite cylinders annually. This facility is part of UAC's global growth strategy, allowing the company to transition from increased production to commercial delivery for international customers. With over two decades of experience in Type IV glass cylinder technology, UAC has now deployed over 12,000 cylinders in more than 40 countries.
Significance of the Shipment for the Domestic Market in China
This shipment also represents an important step in the approval process for high-pressure Type IV glass cylinders for the domestic market in China. Lars Erik Luno, CEO of UAC, described this shipment as a milestone in the company's global strategy, stating: "Investment in Jiaxing is not just about increasing capacity, but about creating a production platform that combines our Norwegian technology with the production scale and supply chain strength of China. This gives UAC greater flexibility and provides a more competitive cost base and stronger global presence. The shipment to Hiringa demonstrates that our dual production strategy has now transitioned to commercial delivery for international customers."
Technology and Economic Benefits
UAC's Type IV glass technology is designed to improve the economics of hydrogen storage and transportation. The company's 40-foot MEGCs are capable of storing up to 720 kilograms of hydrogen, which helps increase payload per trip and reduce transportation costs and total cost of ownership. Furthermore, this Australian order is based on a strong relationship between UAC and Hiringa Energy, which previously supplied MEGCs produced in Norway for four operational hydrogen refueling stations of Hiringa Energy in New Zealand.
This shipment is part of the GEGHA project, which aims to produce up to 4,500 tons of low-carbon ammonia annually, and UAC's MEGCs will be part of the hydrogen storage and logistics infrastructure for this project.
