Hydrogen is emerging as one of the fundamental pillars of the industrial energy transition, and JMG Cranes has decisively chosen to invest in this direction by developing concrete, operational solutions fully integrated into its vision of mobility and sustainable lifting. Through projects dedicated to fuel cell propulsion (MC250.09FL Fuel Cell) and the production of green hydrogen with a 1-MW electrolyzer powered by a dedicated photovoltaic system, JMG is building a complete hydrogen ecosystem.
The new hydrogen production plant enables on-site generation of the energy required to power fuel cell machines, ensuring autonomy, sustainability, and emission reduction while strengthening the entire JMG energy infrastructure.
This page presents our Hydrogen Innovation program—an initiative combining academic research, technological innovation, and real-world industrial applications—with the aim of bringing hydrogen directly into production processes and offering the market safe, reliable, zero-emission solutions.
JMG Cranes took part in the “SPOKE 2” Open Call for companies in Emilia-Romagna, in collaboration with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, within the “Clean energy production, storage and saving” research and innovation program titled “Ecosystem for Sustainable Transition in Emilia-Romagna” (code ECS00000033 – CUP E93C22001100001), funded under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 4 “Education and Research” – Component 2 “From Research to Business” – Investment 1.5 “Creation and strengthening of innovation ecosystems,” financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
The project “Zero Emissions Forklifts: Hydrogen as a Safe and Reliable Solution for Operational Efficiency of Zero-Emission Electric Forklifts”, acronym H2-ZEF, received funding.
JMG carried out experimental development and industrial research, resulting in the creation of the commercial product MC250.09FL.
The MC250.09FL Fuel Cell represents JMG’s first hydrogen-powered prototype, developed within the H2-ZEF project. It is based on a 96-V PEFC FCH fuel cell system, capable of ensuring continuous operation, fast refuelling, and zero emissions.
The retrofit of the electric platform—while maintaining the original MC250.09FL configuration—demonstrates the full compatibility of fuel cell technology with Pick&Carry cranes and paves the way for a new generation of energy-efficient industrial lifting machines.
This prototype is the result of joint work between JMG, the ECOSISTER ecosystem, and the academic collaboration with UNIMORE, with the goal of validating advanced industrial solutions for real applications.
JMG Cranes recently achieved a major international recognition by winning the International Hydrogen and Technology Award 2025 (IHTA 2025).
The Fuel Cell project was awarded for its innovative approach, plug-and-play integration on existing electric machines, and its concrete impact in terms of sustainability and operational continuity.
This recognition confirms JMG’s ability to transform hydrogen research into real, ready-to-use industrial solutions, strengthening the company’s role as a European reference point in the transition toward zero-emission technologies. It highlights JMG’s commitment to developing a more efficient, safe, and sustainable energy ecosystem.
The MC250.09FL Fuel Cell uses the Arcotech FCH 96V fuel cell, integrated into a hybrid architecture with a 30-kWh battery, guaranteeing up to 6 hours of autonomy.
Its 350-bar hydrogen cylinders allow a full refill in just 5 minutes, minimizing downtime.
The machine offers stable, silent, zero-emission performance while maintaining the same operating capacities as the traditional electric version, with greater efficiency and availability.
The system also reduces maintenance requirements and remains fully compatible with standard operating procedures.
A concrete, ready-to-deploy solution for industrial environments requiring continuity, reliability, and sustainability.
JMG Cranes S.p.A. is the external implementing body of the “Hydrogen-Powered Industrial Self-Propelled Cranes” project, funded under PNRR Mission 2 “Green Revolution and Ecological Transition,” Component 2 “Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, Grid and Sustainable Mobility,” Investment 3.1 “Hydrogen production in disused industrial areas,” granted by the Emilia-Romagna Region with funds from the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security.
In the former Eridania disused industrial area in Sarmato, JMG is constructing one of the 12 hydrogen production plants funded nationwide under the PNRR—designed to refuel its hydrogen cranes, support the future range of Fuel Cell machines, and promote the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy solution in the industrial sector.
The Hydrogen Innovation project includes a 1.6-MW photovoltaic system powering a 1-MW electrolyzer, capable of producing up to 33 tons of hydrogen per year exclusively from renewable sources.
This infrastructure is strategic: it will not only ensure autonomy and operational continuity for JMG’s hydrogen prototypes but will also become a regional and intermodal reference hub for sustainable H₂ production.
The plant is structured around three main areas: electrolysis, storage, and refuelling of high-pressure cylinders for external buyers.
From hydrogen generation via PEM technology to high-pressure tank storage and distribution, every phase is optimized for maximum efficiency and safety.
Refuelling stations operate at 450 bar, in compliance with SAE J2600, enabling rapid refuelling of the MC250.09FL Fuel Cell and future company vehicles.
Once fully operational, the plant will also supply third-party customers, offering locally produced green hydrogen in a highly strategic industrial area.
The infrastructure is not only an operational necessity for JMG equipment, but also a true showcase for energy innovation. The “by-product” of hydrogen production will be oxygen, which will be released into the atmosphere.
The project will foster new skills, create job opportunities, and contribute to developing an industrial ecosystem oriented toward decarbonization.
Thanks to integration with research activities and the H2-ZEF project, the plant will become a central asset in JMG’s journey toward a more autonomous, sustainable, and technologically advanced production model.
JMG Cranes designs and manufactures battery-powered electric self-propelled cranes from 0.9 to 70 tons that find application in a wide range of industries.
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