ITM Power teams up with US firm for fuel cell work

The Sheffield-based company won the right to distribute Infintium Fuel Cell Systems Inc’s (IFCS) materials handling technology in Europe.

IFCS’s technology replaces conventional battery, petrol and diesel-powered motors with fuel cells using hydrogen.

Under the agreement, IFCS will gain CE marking for its systems, which can be fitted to all classes of pallet and fork-lift trucks as well as airport baggage handling and utility vehicles.

ITM said it will contribute its experience of gaining CE marking – European regulatory approval – for hydrogen systems to accelerate commercial availability.

As a result, ITM said it can now offer a full solution to the materials handling sector, including on-site hydrogen generation, refuelling and fuel cell systems.

It added successful trials of its HFuel product platform have allowed it to start talking to potential retail, distribution and logistics customers.

It can now offer a “tailored, integrated solution”, including modelling, on-site trials, supply of equipment and maintenance contracts.

Its HFuel system is capable of generating up to 400kg of hydrogen per day from renewable power.

ITM has developed electrolyser technology which uses electricity to produce hydrogen gas.

Chief executive Graham Cooley said: “This agreement means that the company can cater for customers who just want hydrogen as well as those who want a full turn-key system.

“It complements our existing product portfolio and takes us into a fast-growing market.”

Ross Oliver, of IFCS, added: “IFCS will be able to deploy units in Europe using ITM Power’s extensive commercial contacts. Infintium’s fuel cells are high-quality power generation products and when coupled with the IFCS three year bumper-to-bumper warranty the equipment secures additional value for the customer.

“We are delighted to be associated with a company producing high quality refuelling solutions and look forward to working with ITM Power in Europe and the USA.”

ITM’s other products include HPac, which supplies hydrogen to compression systems for energy storage, fuel cells, engines and small industrial sites. HFlame is designed for soldering, cutting and polishing. HBox is an electrolyser designed to produce heat and power inside the home.

ITM’s losses for the six months to the end of October totalled £3.5m, more than the £3m losses a year earlier.

It burned £3.2m of its cash, leaving it with £9m in the bank.

But the firm believes it is on the cusp of achieving commercial traction.