IMI VIVO, a subsidiary of IMI Critical Engineering, has helped leading advanced propulsion R&I centre IAAPS establish the first green H₂ production and storage facility in Southwest England with the installation of a new polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer.

As a commercial subsidiary of the University of Bath, IAAPS is at the forefront of the UK’s development and validation of zero-carbon propulsion technologies. Research and innovation are carried out at its state-of-the-art, 11,300 sqm facility at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, which features a large solar array to power the electrolyzer plant and produce green H₂. The plant and respective storage will be sized to allow the operation of a 400-kW propulsion research facility.

The IMI VIVO Electrolyzer, which was delivered in July 2023, runs an electrical current through water via a membrane to split and separate H₂ atoms. Delivery of the solution has greatly reduced the institute’s reliance on gray H₂ for research purposes. The newly created H₂ research capabilities will also form the basis for a regional H₂ and Sustainable Transport Acceleration Hub which aims to stimulate green growth in the Southwest, providing an important link in the UK’s H₂ research infrastructure.

“This is an important development for IAAPS as we assume a pioneering role in the H₂ landscape. With efforts to decarbonise the transport sector gathering pace, it is evident that there is a critical requirement for R&I in H₂ propulsion. Our new green H₂ facility allows us to meet this need and provide vital H₂ research capabilities,” said Professor Rob Oliver, Engineering Director, IAAPS.

“The research into H₂ technology conducted on site will assist industry in the development of new, sustainable propulsion technologies that are fundamental to achieving clean mobility and meeting net zero targets. We are delighted to establish this new, industry-leading facility at IAAPS, which also marks a significant investment in the national green H₂ economy. We are thankful for IMI VIVO’s support in specifying, supplying and installing this exciting technology.”

Any excess H₂ produced by the electrolyzer will be used in other applications within the IAAPS facility, such as powering boilers, lowering the building’s natural gas use, and aiding its transition to net-zero emissions. This lead-by-example approach, alongside IAAPS’ research efforts in hard-to-electrify sectors such as aviation, marine, off-highway, and heavy-duty transport, will help the centre establish strategic partnerships across these industries.

“As well as being a cornerstone to IAAPS’ expansion and a major evolution in its remit and portfolio, the IMI VIVO Electrolyzer has proven crucial to IAAPS solidifying its reputation as a leading adopter and supplier of sustainable solutions,” said Jackie Hu, Divisional Managing Director at IMI Critical Engineering. “It is clear that IAAPS has great plans for both the electrolyser and its wider decarbonisation efforts, and we have been happy to help drive greener technologies and practices in the Southwest of England.”