A New Advanced Manufacturing Line for the Hydrogen Supply Chain Presented in Brindisi

Athena and Green Independence launch an industrial project to bring key technologies for electrolyzers and fuel cells into production, strengthening manufacturing capacity in Southern Italy

Brindisi, 6 February 2026 – Today in Brindisi, LISAPEC was presented: an industrial project dedicated to the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities within the hydrogen supply chain. Promoted by Athena and Green Independence, the project involves the creation of a semi-automated prototype line for the production of key components intended for electrolyzers and polymer fuel cells.
 
LISAPEC aims to develop a continuous production line based on digital printing and roll-to-roll technologies for the manufacture of electrode membranes intended for electrolytic cells and polymer fuel cells. The manufacturing approach adopted focuses on efficient material use, waste reduction, and improved industrial scalability, responding to the needs of a rapidly growing hydrogen supply chain.

In this context, LISAPEC positions itself as an enabling technology for the development of new solutions for distributed green hydrogen production.
 
“Innovative technologies such as the New Artificial Leaf now require advanced manufacturing processes. With the LISAPEC Project, we focused on the true enabling factor: the competitiveness of such complex processes. The ability to develop and manufacture electrochemical components in a repeatable, scalable and economically sustainable way has always been costly and complex; today, this technology simplifies and significantly reduces production costs, accelerating the industrialization of new hydrogen solutions,” said Alessandro Monticelli, CEO of Green Independence.
 
The development of the project was supported by the Polytechnic University of Turin, which contributed to characterization activities, technological validation and membrane testing.
 
From an industrial perspective, LISAPEC aims to strengthen the production capacity of the supply chain by reducing time, costs and complexity in the transition from research to factory.

“Manufacturing is the key step in transforming hydrogen innovation into a solid industrial supply chain. LISAPEC confirms Athena’s strategy, which for years has been working to build continuous and reliable production processes capable of supporting the scale-up of new technologies for electrolyzers and fuel cells, with a focus on sustainability, quality and simplification of production processes,” added Alberto Fiori, R&D Project Manager Hydrogen and Fuel Cells at Athena.

The LISAPEC project is co-funded by the European Union under the “Bando a Cascata” call supporting companies in Southern Italy – SPOKE 2 of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, dedicated to the theme “Clean energy production, storage and saving”, financed by the PNRR, and is part of the ECOSISTER program supporting industrial innovation.
 
During the event, hosted at Confindustria Brindisi, companies, institutions and representatives of the manufacturing sector discussed the role of advanced manufacturing as a strategic lever for building truly operational hydrogen supply chains capable of generating industrial and employment value in the region.
 
The day before the event, a delegation of participants visited Athena’s plant in Erchie (BR), where the prototype line is installed and operational, offering a concrete demonstration of the project’s industrial potential.
 
With this initiative, Athena and Green Independence strengthen collaboration between industry and technological innovation, contributing to the development of a more solid, scalable and locally rooted hydrogen supply chain.

ATHENA
Athena is an international group that for over 50 years has designed and manufactured customized industrial technical products for OEMs, with consolidated experience in developing solutions and components for a wide range of industrial applications. For more than 15 years, Athena has been active in the hydrogen sector, developing and industrializing technological solutions through strong R&D activities and structured collaborations with industrial partners and research centers.
Website: https://athena.industries/it
 

GREEN INDEPENDENCE
Green Independence is an innovative high-tech startup active in the development of integrated solutions for clean energy, green hydrogen and sustainable water. With the goal of eliminating dependence on fossil fuels and democratizing access to sustainable resources, Green Independence designs technologies that enable decentralized, cost-effective and industrial-scale-compatible on-site production of energy and green hydrogen. The company’s vision is a future in which every territory and community – industrial or otherwise – can produce clean water and low-cost green hydrogen, promoting energy independence, sustainability and local development.
Website: https://gi.green