Industrial gases group Linde has taken a minority stake in the UK’s ITM Power, a manufacturer of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers for the electro-chemical splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen.  The size of the stake and financial terms were not disclosed.

The two companies are also forming a joint venture to implement projects based on ITM Power’s technology, targeting large-scale industrial users, especially those in the metals and glass, electronics, refinery, chemical and steel industries.

The jv is expected to create capacity to deliver a higher volume of projects, shorten lead times, improve execution and reduce costs as well as open new commercial opportunities, Linde said.

“This investment reflects Linde's ongoing focus to deliver sustainable solutions while helping to make our customers more successful”, said Christian Bruch, executive vice president and CEO, Linde Engineering. “The joint venture is an excellent opportunity to combine Linde's world-class engineering capabilities with ITM Power's electrolysis technology.”

Separately, Linde has announced the startup of two plants to supply oxygen and nitrogen to Taixing Jinyan Chemical Technology to support the production of ethylene oxide. The plants, which have a total combined capacity of 29,000 Nm³/h, will also supply gases to other customers in the Taixing Economic Development Zone.

“The start-up of these two ASUs [air separation units] will help build network density in one of China's top chemicals and petrochemicals industrial parks in Eastern China”, said Steven Fang, head of Linde Greater China, adding that the investment sets a foundation for future expansion in the park.

Also in China, Linde has started operation of a new SPECTRA high-purity nitrogen generator to support the expansion of a leading semi-conductor manufacturer in the ZhangJiang Hi-tech Park in Shanghai. The plant was installed and is operated by Linde LienHwa, a joint venture between Linde and Taiwanese industrial gases producer Lien Hwa Industrial Corp.

Linde’s nitrogen will be used throughout the new semi-conductor plant and will also be supplied by pipeline to existing customers in the industrial park.