ITM wins grant to boost hydrogen technology

Sheffield-based ITM, which has developed unique electrolyser technology to create hydrogen from renewable energy sources, said it won the 195,000 grant from an undisclosed government department to continue its development of a clean fuel production module (CFPM) – a stack of electrolysers to produce power.

The award is the second won by the firm since refocusing its strategy in January to diversify its revenue streams.

ITM said the grant, which runs over 12 months, will help it scale up its power cells and stacks to create a versatile CFPM.

The product will be designed for high-volume manufacture and ITM said the grant is an important step towards its aim of commercialising its pro-ducts.

ITM has seven products which are close to being ready for commercial production, including a high-rate hydrogen gas production box. Its electrolysers work by turning electricity into hydrogen fuel, which can be stored or burned.

ITM chief executive Graham Cooley said: "I am delighted that a UK government body has again acknowledged the importance and significance of ITM manufacturing its new product range in the UK."

In February the firm won a 337,000 grant to develop a mobile hydrogen refuelling station from the Technology Strategy Board.

The award was to build a high-pressure refueller over 13 months to fuel hydrogen-powered demonstration vehicles.

Last month it also signed a deal to provide hydrogen energy systems for a mobile floating office. ITM signed a memorandum of understanding with Ballast Nedam Sustainability Services, part of Ballast Nedam Group, which it hopes will allow it to showcase its innovative technology.

ITM will provide the Dutch construction and infrastructure firm with a self-contained clean energy system for the Autarc floating office.

The two firms then aim to extend the technology to homes, and Ballast Nedam will have exclusive rights to do so across the Benelux region.

ITM is showcasing its products at the Hannover Messe trade fair between April 19 and 23 and at the NHA Expo at Long Island, California between May 3 and 6.