pHYnix, an independent renewable H₂ producer, has selected Howden, a global provider of mission critical air and gas handling products, technologies and services, to supply two H₂ diaphragm compressors for Vitale plant. This facility is the first commercial-scale 10-MW renewable H₂ production plant in Spain and is one of the largest electrolysis projects under construction in Europe.

Enabled with Howden Uptime, the diaphragm compressors consist of a booster and a high-pressure compressor that will compress the H₂ from the electrolyzer into the gas infrastructure (from 30 bar to 60 bar) and into tube trailers (from 60 bar to 380 bar).

In addition to the diaphragm technology, the maintenance service is decisive for the selection of Howden compressors. Howden Uptime's continuous monitoring ensures the security and safety required by the plant.

pHYnix CTO/COO, Philippe Guinot, said, "Howden is a partner with proven expertise in manufacturing safe, efficient and reliable equipment for H₂ compression, a major guarantee for Vitale plant. We are getting closer and closer to producing the renewable H₂ needed to decarbonize the most challenging sectors: industry and transport and doing our bit to reach the ambitious European sustainability targets."

Salah Mahdy, Global Director of Renewable H₂ at Howden, said, “By working closely with pHYnix, we identified the right compression solution for their process. Our efficient H₂ compression technology along with a clear focus and understanding of the full lifecycle, we can minimize the total cost of ownership of operations.”

“This project will play a key role in supporting the energy independence of Spain and accelerate the adoption of green H₂ in Europe. We are pleased to be supporting pHYnix in implementing a clean energy solution and advancing the H₂ economy.”

Vitale will be one of the first renewable H₂ production plants in Europe and the first in Spain on a commercial scale with different applications. The sale of the renewable gas will be destined, to local industrial players through direct supply, to the logistics and heavy transport sectors, as well as to urban and interurban transport in the Community of Madrid. In addition, a percentage of the production will be injected into the gas grid to be exported to the European market (gas blending).

Vitale is under construction and will produce 1,450 tpy of renewable H₂ from 2024. Thanks to this, pHYnix will meet its objectives of distributing green H₂ in Spain and contributing to the decarbonization of the industry and transport sectors.