A new chapter in European hydrogen research is beginning in Trento. The Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), one of Italy’s leading centres for applied science, has awarded Hydrogenera the contract to deliver the electrolysis system for its upcoming hydrogen research infrastructure.
The facility is part of the IPCEI Hy2Tech initiative, a Europe-wide effort to accelerate hydrogen technologies that can power industry, mobility, and energy systems of the future. Funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the project connects research and innovation with real-world deployment, from laboratory testing to pilot-scale applications.
This marks a significant milestone for Hydrogenera and a step forward for Europe’s collective push towards cleaner, more resilient energy systems.
Building Europe’s new hydrogen backbone
The FBK project falls under the IPCEI Hy2Tech framework, an ambitious collaboration that unites more than 30 European countries, companies, and research centres working to scale hydrogen innovation.
The initiative focuses on bridging the gap between research and industrial application. In this case, FBK’s new infrastructure will become a national reference point for green hydrogen production, storage, and system integration.
Our electrolysis system will serve as the facility's technology centre. It will enable scientists and engineers to conduct experiments on hydrogen generation from renewable power, test performance in varying conditions, and explore the link between hydrogen and other clean energy systems.
The installation will be carried out in Trento and financed under Italy's recovery plan, under Mission 4 – Education and Research and Mission 2 – Green Transition.
Technology that brings research to life
Our technology combines proven engineering with modular flexibility, making it ideal for dynamic research environments. The electrolysis system can operate at multiple capacities, allowing FBK researchers to simulate industrial conditions while maintaining the precision of laboratory-scale testing.
This flexibility is critical for exploring how hydrogen can be produced and stored efficiently, and for how future energy systems can adapt to variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
By delivering this system, we provide more than equipment — we offer a foundation for innovation, experimentation, and knowledge exchange between academia and industry.
Why this project matters
Hydrogen is emerging as a key solution to Europe’s climate goals. It offers a way to decarbonise sectors that cannot easily rely on direct electrification, including heavy industry and steel production, as well as transport and heating.
The IPCEI Hy2Tech programme reflects Europe’s determination to develop the entire hydrogen value chain within its borders. It connects research institutions, manufacturers, and policymakers, ensuring that scientific progress translates into economic and environmental impact.
The Bruno Kessler Foundation’s project captures this vision perfectly, a meeting point between cutting-edge research and industrial application.
For us, this is also a significant step. It shows how our technology will now contribute to one of the most advanced hydrogen research centres in Southern Europe. It is a clear example of how cross-border collaboration fuels progress in the hydrogen economy.
A shared vision for a sustainable future
Partnerships like this illustrate the growing momentum behind Europe’s hydrogen transition. They bring together different countries, institutions, and disciplines under a shared vision: accelerating the transition from fossil-based systems to sustainable energy ecosystems.
As the installation phase begins, our collaboration with FBK promises to deliver new insights and practical pathways for hydrogen deployment, strengthening Europe’s capacity for clean energy innovation.
At Hydrogenera, we continue to focus on developing reliable, efficient, and accessible hydrogen technologies that empower both research and industry. Our involvement in the FBK project reaffirms our commitment to advancing hydrogen’s role in Europe’s sustainable future.