Industry Update
IMI Critical Engineering launches IMI VIVO electrolyser IMI Critical Engineering has expanded its technology portfolio by launching a proton exchange membrane ( PEM ) electrolyser . Launched to support the industrial adoption of hydrogen energy , the new IMI VIVO electrolyser comes in a modular , containerised design , which allows multi-MW plants .
The company ’ s new PEM electrolyser uses a ‘ turnkey ’ configuration that can be adapted to customer specifications and includes a fuel cell , storage system and electrolyser as standard . It 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 : “ We 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 .”
Nel to build new production line at Herøya , doubling capacity to 1 GW Nel will build a second fully automated production line at Herøya in Norway , doubling its capacity for production of alkaline electrolyser stacks to ~ 1 GW . The new production line is expected to be in operation from April 2024 . Total capex commitment for the equipment will be approximately EUR 35 million .
Announced in August , the investment decision was made only weeks after the company received a record size order for 200 MW of alkaline electrolyser stacks from a US customer .
Nel ’ s facility at Herøya is the world ’ s first fully automated electrolyser manufacturing factory , which was officially opened in April this year . The factory is currently running on three shifts and is setting weekly production records . Towards year end , the company expects to have five shifts running . While the current production capacity is 500 MW , it can be expanded to 2 GW .
Håkon Volldal , CEO of Nel , said : “ The Herøya expansion supports what we have previously communicated : when demand is present , we will add capacity . The recent 200 MW contract will not be a one-off , and as we see a potential for additional large orders in the foreseeable future , we have decided to expand our production capacity .”
30 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 6 | October 2022