IMI Provides 2MW PEM Electrolyzer for Green Hydrogen Production

IMI provided a 2MW PEM electrolyzer for the upcoming Hydrogen Valley project in Lamezia Terme, Italy.

The installation is set to be built on the brownfield site of the former SIR industrial complex and will produce 400 Nm³/h of green hydrogen at 580 psi (40 barg), equivalent to approximately 2.2 lbs per hour (36 kg).

Following the completion of the preliminary design phase and the acquisition of necessary permits for the Hydrogen Valley, Teca Gas awarded Techfem the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contract. This includes the executive design, safety coordination during the design phase and full construction of the facility.

The project also includes systems for hydrogen storage and compression up to 3191 psi (220 barg), as well as a loading bay for cylinder trailer filling — allowing distribution of the produced hydrogen to end users.

The IMI VIVO electrolyzer will be produced at IMI’s design and manufacturing facility in Sardinia and is the technological core of the facility. It will be highly energy efficient, below the threshold set by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

Through the process of electrolysis, water molecules are split into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using electricity. This is the fundamental process within the electrolyzer, which will be partly powered by a new photovoltaic park that is integral to the project.

The plan is to create a replicable Hydrogen Valley model within Italy, promoting the local production and use of hydrogen in both industrial and transportation sectors, in line with best practices established across other EU member states.

“Real change comes through strong partnerships, and the Hydrogen Valley project is a perfect example,” said Giuseppe Buscemi, EMEA President of Process Automation at IMI. “We are proud to work with Techfem and Teca Gas to deliver innovative solutions that produce green hydrogen, strengthen communities, and drive progress. Our advanced IMI VIVO electrolyzer, combining high efficiency with proven reliability, will be at the heart of this sustainable energy initiative.

The facility is expected to be operable from June 30, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the decarbonization of the national energy system.