IMI Critical Engineering has expanded its technology portfolio by launching a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser that generates green hydrogen from renewable energy sources.

 

To support the industrial adoption of hydrogen energy, the company has launched the new IMI Vivo electrolyser, which passes an electric current through water via a membrane, breaking it down into hydrogen and oxygen.

 

It uses a ‘turnkey’ configuration that can be adapted to customer specifications, and includes a fuel cell, storage system and electrolyser as standard.

 

The electrolyser is already being used across research facilities, including a Russell Group university in England which is assisting IMI Critical Engineering’s ongoing research into eco-fuels and green technologies.

 

Giuseppe Buscemi, President of IMI Critical Engineering, Europe, said hydrogen created from green energy sources such as wind, solar, or geothermal energy is increasingly regarded as a crucial part of our transition to a sustainable future.

 

Yet though previous International Energy Agency reports have predicted it will grow to 18% of the energy mix by 2050. the latest DNV research makes for troubling reading.

 

He said, “The importance of electrolysers therefore cannot be overstated, as they will be vital in ensuring the world fully realises the potential of hydrogen. We expect the technology to play a pivotal role in decarbonising certain manufacturing sectors that cannot be electrified.”

 

Certification experts DNV recently warned that hydrogen will only make up 5% of the worldwide energy mix by 2050. far below the 15% requirement defined in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

 

Buscemi said it began developing the IMI VIVO Electrolyser in 2020. as part of the company’s accelerator programme to identify and create solutions to assist the energy transition.

 

“IMI’s purpose is Breakthrough Engineering for a better world, and this new solution demonstrates that commitment in action. By combining our engineering capabilities with innovative technologies, we can work with our customers to make the world safer, cleaner, and greener.”

 

Skid/Containerised turnkey design

 

0.1-5MW power class skid

Modular design allowing mult-MW plants

Based on Proton Exchange Membrance (PEM) technology

Top Technology PEM stack provider

Power consumption <60kWh/kg H2