IMI Critical Engineering has successfully completed its first field test for the generation of green H₂ using its new IMI VIVO polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer.

The pilot test, undertaken at IMI Remosa’s newly-opened 16,000 m² facility in Sardinia, saw a 200-kW IMI VIVO PEM electrolyzer successfully complete its test program in May 2023, generating 4 kg/h (44 Nm³/h) at 30 barg of green H₂.

The successful completion of the pilot test paves the way for a series of upcoming electrolyzer installations at UK and European research institutes throughout 2023 and 2024.

IMI VIVO’s PEM electrolyzer will be available in 100 kW to 5-MW power class skids. It can be made fully bespoke to end-user requirements thanks to a turnkey configuration which includes a high or low-pressure storage tank, compressor and optional fueling equipment.

The manufacturer sees significant opportunities for the IMI VIVO electrolyzer across power-to-mobility, power-to-gas and power-to-power applications.

Jackie Hu, Divisional Managing Director at IMI Critical Engineering, said, “The successful generation of green H₂ is a landmark moment for our organization. While IMI Critical Engineering has a long heritage in traditional power generation applications, we have heavily invested in PEM electrolyzer technology to help our customers, and ourselves, transition to new and more sustainable ways of energy generation, storage, and distribution.

“While this is only the first step in what will be a long journey, it is also an important day to celebrate the success of IMI’s Growth Hub incubation and acceleration program, which helped bring the IMI VIVO electrolyzer to market. Manufactured using several IMI-made flow control products, the electrolyzer touches on our history and our future and we are delighted both facets have combined to deliver a scalable solution for green H₂ generation.”

The IMI VIVO electrolyzer and H₂ storage vessels will be manufactured in the same IMI Remosa (Remosa s.r.l) facility as the pilot test. Its lower power scale compared to larger units makes it well-placed for organizations looking to start their own explorations into green H₂ generation.

Jackie Hu concluded, “While questions remain over the feasibility of some ambitious short-term green H₂ generation targets, such as those set by the EU, many power and utility providers are well underway with their own research and development programs. We expect our technical expertise and extensive installed base in traditional power generation industries will position us as a viable partner as they transition to a more sustainable way of working.”