UFI Hydrogen unveils game-changing technology at Automechanika

UFI Filters, renowned as a leading company in the fields of filtration and thermal management, is presenting its technological innovations for the hydrogen sector at Automechanika in Frankfurt from 10 to 14 September 2024 – marking their European launch.

Founded in 1971 in the Italian province of Verona, the company is an established name and leader in filtration for the car, heavy-duty and agriculture markets. 95% of light vehicle manufacturers worldwide, including the major German car brands, rely on filter and thermal management systems from the UFI Filters Group, as do the manufacturers of 50% of the heavy-duty vehicles produced globally. UFI’s product portfolio already includes air, oil, fuel, cabin, hydraulic and coolant filters, as well as heat exchangers for combustion engines, electric and hybrid vehicles.

Now, with the establishment of UFI Hydrogen, a new company, the group is driving forward the green revolution with innovative solutions designed to decarbonise the economy.

A commitment to sustainable innovation

UFI Hydrogen, founded in 2023, focuses on the development of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) with Catalyst Coated Membranes (CCMs), crucial for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers. These MEAs enable efficient production of green hydrogen and its conversion into electricity, which can be used in various applications beyond fuel cells, including power generation, industrial processes and even domestic energy supply​.

UFI Filters has been researching and developing products related to the use of hydrogen in fuel cells and the associated filtration requirements since 2017. This year, UFI Hydrogen was the only Italian company to be included in the IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) Hy2Move programme. Under this programme, the European Commission is supporting projects promoting hydrogen mobility with up to 1.4 billion euros of state aid.

Giorgio Girondi, Chairman of the UFI Filters Group, explains: “At UFI, our mission is to significantly contribute to decarbonisation in Europe and beyond. Leveraging more than 50 years of expertise in filter technology, we aim to advance the production of green hydrogen and its conversion into clean energy. The core elements for these processes are catalysed membranes. I am excited to unveil these at Automechanika. UFI MEAs adhering to UFI Filters' high quality standards, represent a significant leap towards the cost-effective production of green hydrogen and hydrogen-based energy solutions, as well as making a relevant contribution to the REPowerEU strategy.”

Backed by the European Union’s IPCEI Hy2Move project, the Chairman states the importance of this innovation programme to the UFI Group: “We are proud to be part of the EU's IPCEI Hy2Move project and will do everything we can to live up to the innovative ambitions of the programme. By 2028, we will invest around 50 million euros in UFI Hydrogen and create up to 100 new jobs in this business area. Moreover, we have signed an agreement with the province of Trento to jointly invest 4 million euros in innovative research projects for electrolyser membranes.”

The membranes are crucial for both the electrochemical separation of hydrogen and oxygen from water, and the catalytic conversion of hydrogen into electricity.

Marco Lazzaroni, CEO of UFI Hydrogen, comments: “UFI Hydrogen is making its European debut at Automechanika with its two, innovative MEA technologies. MEA UFI.Iridium™ allows the production of green hydrogen from water electrolysis. MEA UFI.Platinum™ is equally essential for the transformation of green hydrogen into electricity, by recombining green hydrogen with oxygen in PEM fuel cells.”

UFI Hydrogen is continuously developing its MEA technology. At the same time, the company is promoting the cost-efficient production and utilisation of green hydrogen, as well as the development of green fuels for the next generation of green mobility.

Serial production of UFI Hydrogen can begin from 2025, Lazzaroni announces: “A 14,000 sq m production facility for the manufacture of MEA Technology is due to open at the end of this year in Serravalle in the province of Trento, Italy. UFI Hydrogen MEAs are based on ‘made-in-Italy’ technology, know-how and industrialisation, while also backed by the UFI Group’s significant industrial footprint in China. An extensive 5,000 square metres of the new UFI GREEN plant in Jiaxing will be dedicated to UFI Hydrogen business, thanks to our agreement with our joint venture partner Sinopec, the largest oil and petrochemical company in the Far East.”