CPH2 signed a 24-month memorandum of understanding (MOU) with engineering consultant Koch Modular to assess commercialising CPH2’s hydrogen production technology in Mexico, the US, and Canada.

New Jersey-based Koch Modular, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, specialises in manufacturing modular mass transfer systems for the chemical process industry.

According to CPH2, the MOU will cover joint supply chain, feasibility and technical assessments, system concepts and manufacturing proposals.

If progressed into a licensing deal, Koch Modular could produce up to 100MW of CPH2 systems.

CEO of CPH2, Jon Duffy, said that Koch Modular’s capabilities could be key to expanding the firm’s footprint.

“We believe Koch Modular is a perfect partner to license CPH2’s technology across North America,” said Duffy.

CPH2 is targeting the first commercial deployments of its membrane-free electrolysers this year. Unlike alkaline and PEM, the systems operate without a physical membrane, instead using fluid dynamics or buoyancy to keep hydrogen and oxygen separate.

In March, the firm announced the planned installation of its first 1MW unit at a Northern Ireland Water facility, having recently raised £7.4m ($9.9m) for commercialising the technology.

It also recently secured manufacturing and development support from German technology major Siemens.

While membrane-less electrolysis offers potential savings and flexibility, concerns around purity and safety arise due to the potential of gases mixing in the systems.