Athena and Green Independence unveil LISAPEC, the new pilot line for CCM membranes supporting the hydrogen value chain

Athena S.p.A., Italian company with more than fifty years of industrial experience and over fifteen years in the hydrogen sector, together with Green Independence S.r.l., an innovative Southern Italy–based startup developing cutting-edge technologies for the production of renewable energy and green hydrogen, announce the installation and start-up of the new LISAPEC pilot line at the Athena Erchie (BR) Italian facility.

LISAPEC – the “Semi-automatic continuous digital printing line for the production of membranes and electrodes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells and electrolysers” – strengthens Athena’s role as a technology partner for hydrogen system manufacturers.

This innovative line accelerates the development of catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) for fuel cells and electrolysers, strategic components for the green hydrogen value chain. The initiative extends the collaboration launched in 2022 with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia through the H2MORE center, dedicated to the development and testing of hydrogen technologies.

A PROJECT FOCUSED ON EFFICIENCY, PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY 

LISAPEC introduces advanced catalyst-layer deposition techniques that maximize material yield and ensure scalableMEA manufacturing processes. The use of low-environmental-impact membranes and water-based inks enables a new generation of CCMs designed to:

• Overcome the performance limits of current technologies
• Reduce cost per kW
• Comply with European Union sustainability standards (Green Deal, IPCEI H₂)

Athena’s value proposition is built on three pillars: efficiency, durability and reliability — combined with a strong commitment to sustainable innovation.

 

A STRATEGIC MILESTONE FOR ITALY’S HYDROGEN INDUSTRY

LISAPEC project represents a turning point for Athena and for the entire Italian hydrogen value chain, strengthening the nation’s ability to develop key technologies and compete in the evolving European energy-transition landscape.

Athena presented the first LISAPEC results yesterday morning at the closing event of ECOSISTER — Emilia-Romagna’s regional ecosystem for sustainable transition — held at the University of Bologna, with the participation of President Giovanni Mancassola, engineer Alberto Fiori and the founders of Green Independence, Alessandro Monticelli and Marta Pisani.

Athena’s President stated: “LISAPEC gives shape to a vision we have pursued for more than fifteen years: integrating research, industry and sustainability through constant, forward-looking work. It is the result of concrete choices and perseverance that today translate into real progress for the future of energy.”
A step that not only accelerates the pathway toward a decarbonized economy, but also reaffirms Athena’s commitment to developing today the technologies that will enable tomorrow’s energy, while strengthening Italy’s national hydrogen supply chain.

The development of the LISAPEC product line was made possible also thanks to significant institutional support, which accelerated the process of technology transfer and the industrialization of the solutions developed. The project was co-funded by the European Union under the Cascade Funding Call in support of enterprises located in Southern Italy – SPOKE 2 of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, dedicated to the theme “Clean energy production, storage and saving”, within the Research and Innovation Program entitled “Ecosystem for Sustainable Transition in Emilia-Romagna” (code ECS00000033 – CUP E93C22001100001), financed under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4 “Education and Research” – Component 2, Investment 1.5, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.