Norwegian hydrogen company Nel has entered into a framework agreement with fluid transfer specialist Hydrasun to establish dedicated assembly and integration capabilities for the MC Series, Nel’s modular and scalable proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology platform.

With this partnership, Nel gains an experienced integration partner in Europe, complementing its existing integration setup in the US and widening its delivery capabilities for the European market. Nel’s PEM stack production will continue at Nel’s Wallingford facility in Connecticut, in the US.

Under the agreement, Hydrasun will develop production capabilities for the assembly and integration of Nel’s containerised PEM technology platform. Hydrasun will procure, integrate, and manufacture the balance of plant systems surrounding the electrolyser stack, enabling delivery of a fully integrated, modular, and containerised electrolyser offering, while stack production continues to be done by Nel from its Wallingford facility.

The collaboration gives Nel an experienced integration partner in Europe at a time of growing demand for standardised, modular electrolyser solutions. It will expand Nel’s manufacturing flexibility and strengthen supply chain resilience, while bringing production capabilities closer to key growth markets.

Hydrasun’s initiative is supported by the Scottish government’s Just Transition Fund and will see Hydrasun invest in and upgrade its Aberdeen facilities to support clean technology manufacturing.

“This agreement marks a defining moment in Hydrasun's evolution. For 50 years we've supported the energy industry in the areas of fluid transfer, power and control solutions, and clean energy - this investment builds directly on that industrial capability,” says Hydrasun CE James Gaskell.

He adds that establishing Scotland's first electrolyser assembly and integration facility is a proud milestone for the company and an important step forward for Aberdeen’s energy sector more broadly, ensuring the city has genuine clean energy manufacturing capability.

The project is expected to contribute to the development of Scotland’s clean energy manufacturing sector by building on existing industrial competence in Aberdeen, supporting skills development, supply chain activity, and high-value employment. Hydrasun has stated that the initiative has the potential to create up to 12 new jobs while safeguarding a further 11 existing roles.

In turn, Nel PEM operations senior VP Tushar Ghuwalewala says the company is pleased to be working with Hydrasun to establish an experienced European integration partner for its standardised PEM electrolyser solutions, the MC Series. "As demand for standardised, modular systems grows, this collaboration enhances our ability to serve key markets while creating greater flexibility and scalability across our production network," he concludes.