Bret Williams
12 May 2025
A Giant Bid in the Clash for Green Hydrogen Supremacy
ITM Power just landed its biggest score to date—signing a deal to deliver more than 300MW of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers for a green hydrogen project somewhere in the Asia-Pacific. They’re keeping the location under wraps for now, but one thing’s clear: this is ITM stepping back into the big leagues, going head-to-head with heavyweights like Nel ASA and McPhy
What It Means: Scale + Timing = Market Validation
To put it in perspective, this project’s over 11 times bigger than ITM’s previous record—the 24MW REFHYNE II in Germany. Sure, it’s still waiting on a final investment green light, but local government money is already in the pipeline. That’s a big thumbs up for ITM’s upgraded technology and the behind-the-scenes transformation led by CEO Dennis Schulz.
What are they rolling out? Their TRIDENT stack—a smart, modular, container-based PEM system that ramps up in under a second and runs at 75% efficiency even under heavy load. In a region sprinting toward clean baseload power, this isn’t a science fair experiment. It’s a high-stakes test of whether green hydrogen can go big, fast.
The Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Push: More Than Just Talk
This region isn’t just watching the global hydrogen race—it’s leading it. Japan, South Korea, and Australia have been dropping serious public cash into hydrogen production since 2017. Together, they account for roughly 65% of the global H2 demand (thanks, IEA). Between Japan’s massive ¥3 trillion hydrogen roadmap and Australia’s $1.4B H2Global strategy, these countries are turning policy into actual energy infrastructure.
The heat is on too—COP30 is around the corner, and countries are scrambling to make clean energy 45% of their national mixes. With economic stability and energy security now joined at the hip, there’s a race to build out tech that can decarbonize industries and power grids without missing a beat.
Strategic Flashpoint: Tech Validation + UK Implications
ITM’s stock jumped 18% on the announcement—and yeah, that says a lot. Investors are clearly betting this is more than just a one-time gig. It shows ITM can finally compete on a global scale, not just in its European backyard. That’s a big deal, especially with the UK’s £4 billion hydrogen support scheme up for grabs and elections looming.
And here’s where it gets interesting—if Asia-Pacific starts tightening its local supply chain rules (as it often does), ITM might end up forming regional manufacturing partnerships. Picture it: cross-border energy deals where electrolysis know-how plays a starring role.
Quick Context on ITM: From Hype to Hard Reality
Just a couple of years ago, ITM Power was riding high on the green hydrogen buzz…until things got rocky. Ambition outpaced execution, and they burned through time and cash chasing big promises without nailing the basics. In 2023, they hit reset—cutting 25% of staff, doubling down on deliverable, large-scale projects, and sharpening their focus on cost discipline. This contract? It could be the first real proof that the hard choices paid off.
Bottom Line: A Pivot or a Peak?
Now, let’s be real—it’s not done yet. The project still hinges on that final investment call, plus the usual hurdles like grid integration and permitting snags. But if the deal moves ahead, ITM Power isn’t just back in the race—it could be taking the lead in one of the most competitive sustainable energy markets on the planet. At the bare minimum, they’ve just sent a clear message: they’re not out of the game by a long shot.
Prediction to Chew On:
If this thing breaks ground before 2026, expect a domino effect of similar megaprojects—and ITM’s name all over the shortlists.
Read the full article here:- https://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/itm-power-lands-300mw-electrolyser-deal-in-asia-pacific-reigniting-green-hydrogen-race/8570841/?no_cache=1