Hydrogen Innovation

JMG’s solutions for hydrogen-powered industrial handling and the energy security of the future

L’idrogeno rappresenta uno dei pilastri fondamentali della transizione energetica industriale e JMG Cranes ha scelto di investire con determinazione in questa direzione sviluppando soluzioni concrete, operative e pienamente integrate nella propria visione di mobilità nonché nel sollevamento sostenibile. Attraverso progetti dedicati alla propulsione a celle a combustibile (MC250.09FL Fuel Cell), alla produzione di idrogeno verde con elettrolizzatore da 1Mega alimentato da impianto fotovoltaico dedicato.

Il nuovo impianto di produzione dell’idrogeno consente di generare direttamente in sede l’energia necessaria per le macchine a fuel cell, garantendo autonomia, sostenibilità e riduzione delle emissioni, rafforzando così l’intero ecosistema energetico di JMG.

In questa pagina presentiamo il nostro programma “Hydrogen Innovation”, un percorso che unisce ricerca scientifica universitaria, innovazione e applicazioni reali, con l’obiettivo di portare l’idrogeno all’interno dei processi produttivi e di offrire al mercato soluzioni affidabili, sicure e a zero emissioni.

MC250.09FL Fuel Cell - Hydrogen Power

The new JMG hydrogen production plant – Hydrogen Valley Sarmato

The first JMG Pick&Carry crane powered by hydrogen

H2-ZEF project within the ECOSISTER program featuring 96-V Fuel Cell technolog

PROJECT: Zero Emissions Forklifts

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.

A New Generation of Hydrogen Pick&Carry Cranes

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.

IHTA 2025 Award: A Milestone Confirming Our Leadership

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.

Real-World Performance and Operational Advantages

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.

The New JMG Green Hydrogen Production Plant

A dedicated H₂ facility designed to ensure energy autonomy and top performance, serving as a strategic reference hub for Northern Italy.

PROJECT: Hydrogen-Powered Industrial Self-Propelled Cranes

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.

Today, Building the Milestones of Tomorrow

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.

High-Efficiency Production, Storage, and Refuelling

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.

An Energy Hub Supporting Industrial Transition

This infrastructure is not only essential for JMG machinery but also a true demonstrative hub of energy innovation.
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.