px Group, the operator of several key UK and European infrastructure sites, has acquired a majority stake in LIFTE H2, the Germany-based one-stop shop for hydrogen engineering solutions.

LIFTE H2 is driving Europe’s green transition by engineering and delivering simple, safe and affordable hydrogen infrastructure solutions. The company guides its customers through every phase of their hydrogen transition, from generating hydrogen via electrolysis to its utilization in sectors like heavy transport. LIFTE’s executives and engineers bring extensive expertise in hydrogen technology, having previously worked on hydrogen and renewable energy projects for firms such as Shell, Uniper, E.ON, RWE, Siemens Energy, and TÜV SÜD.

px Group and LIFTE H2 share a long-term vision for the role of sustainable infrastructure in the energy sector. px Group says there are opportunities to bolster LIFTE H2’s engineering team with its own engineering and operations expertise, as well as a potential to bring LIFTE H2’s hydrogen development knowledge to the UK to accelerate the applications of hydrogen in the UK. Together px Group and LIFTE H2 engineering team have 250 capable engineers for various hydrogen and energy transition projects.

Geoff Holmes, CEO of px Group, adds: “LIFTE H2’s ambitious team has built an industry-renowned and industry-trusted business from scratch. Its commitment to safe, simple and affordable solutions fits closely with px Group’s commitments, and we’re looking forward to growing together.”

Murat Aydemir, px Group’s Managing Director for Germany, said: “LIFTE H2 has delivered rapid growth and an excellent forward-pipeline of hydrogen projects and partnerships. With px engineering and LIFTE H2 together, we look forward to delivering engineering solutions to support even more hydrogen and energy transition projects.”

“Germany has one of the most – if not the most – developed hydrogen economies in Europe and is a leader in hydrogen transport infrastructure. However, the barriers to entry for Hydrogen in Europe remain too high right across the value chain and right across the continent. LIFTE H2’s solution, which directly enables more investment into hydrogen, is compelling and proven.”

Paul Karzel, Managing Director at LIFTE H2, comments: “We’re excited to partner with px group. Our complementary strengths will help us to deliver more and, in addition to our current portfolio, larger projects in hydrogen. This strategic alliance enhances the engineering capabilities of both sides in a complimentary way and unlocks resource efficiency in non-engineering related areas. Together, we’re here to make hydrogen projects happen, building on and enhancing what we have already done at LIFTE H2. With px Group’s experience in designing, operating and maintaining large process plants, and LIFTE H2’s in-depth hydrogen expertise, we form a dynamic alliance that will invigorate the hydrogen industry.”

px Group is backed by Ara Partners, a private equity company specialising in decarbonisation investments.