Hydrogen specialist ITM Power has brought forward a new division to build, own and operate refuelling stations across the Ƶ.
The Sheffield-based AIM-listed company, currently working with offshore wind giant Orsted to bring forward green hydrogen for industry in the Humber region, is now ramping up the road fuel element too.
ITM Motive will own and operate eight hydrogen refueling stations - which the parent company has already established - expanding to 11 by the end of the year.
The company has won Ƶ and EU funding to help deployment, and reached an agreement with Shell for forecourt siting.
Each will feature an ITM Power electrolyser and a Linde IC90 compression, storage and dispensing system.
Major car manufacturers have welcomed the move. Ashley Andrew, Hyundai Motor Ƶ’s managing director, said: “It’s fantastic to see that ITM is implementing a strengthened commercial approach to its hydrogen refueling station expansion strategy.
"This commitment to developing the Ƶ infrastructure will in turn help to increase consumer demand for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, like the Hyundai NEXO, that offer zero-emissions motoring, along with refueling times and range comparable to internal combustion engine vehicles.”
ITM Motive will be a separate, wholly-owned subsidiary, headed up by new appointment Duncan Yellen, as managing director.
Jon Hunt, Toyota’s manager of alternative fuels, said: “As well as providing world leading electrolyser technology ITM Power has pioneered the development of the Ƶ hydrogen refueling infrastructure which has allowed Toyota and others to make the Ƶ one of the first countries to benefit from this clean energy.
“The creation of ITM Motive with the appointment of the experienced Duncan Yellen as MD to focus on this area demonstrates the shared commitment to make the Ƶ a leader in this technology and enable the country to reach its carbon reduction and air quality targets. We welcome this development and look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the new business”.
Dr Yellen has had a 30 year career in the energy and environmental sector, and prior to joining ITM held a senior role with Engie’s subsidiary Storengy, where he was responsible for identifying new business streams and successfully developed its business strategy in green gases, CNG and geothermal.
“This is an exciting role with a company in the vanguard of the hydrogen revolution,” he said.
“The Ƶ has the opportunity to become one of the world leaders in the transition to zero carbon energy and fuel. Transport needs to decarbonise and I look forward to helping cement ITM Power’s position at the forefront of this change.”
From 2012 to 2018 he was head of consulting for EA Technology Ltd, managing a team of 40 consultants. His early career was with National Power in the Ƶ and with British Gas in various technology and business development roles.
He holds an MBA from Bradford University, a PhD in Materials Science and BSc in Physics from Liverpool University.
Dr Graham Cooley, chief executive of ITM Power, said ITM has demonstrated - in close collaboration with Linde - a world class station availability of 98 per cent which is encouraging further fuel cell electric vehicle roll out in the Ƶ.
A huge new production facility is currently being completed in the South Yorkshire city as demand increases.
“We’re delighted to have been able to recruit Duncan to be ITM Motive’s managing director,” he added. “He has exactly the right mix of relevant experience and entrepreneurial ability to develop the business’s portfolio and drive it to profitability.”
ITM Motive’s sites in the Ƶ continue to be operational as part of the essential services provided during the current lockdown, refueling vehicles for the Metropolitan Police and Green Tomato cars - providing transport for NHS staff - among others.
