Industrial gas group SIAD and braking systems specialist Brembo will each invest up to €1 million in Hydrospark, a start-up launched by hydrogen technology firm Petroceramics.
Hydrospark has developed a platform that uses ceramic materials to produce solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOECs) with higher energy density and lower manufacturing costs. These cells efficiently generate electricity and heat from hydrogen with zero emissions, and can also convert renewable energy into hydrogen.
“This investment will allow us to validate our technology in an actual production facility while positioning ourselves as a leading player in the hydrogen market,” said Fabrizio Gualandris, CEO of Hydrospark. Hydrospark aims to break even and reach an annual production capacity of one million cells by its second year.
Bernardo Sestini, Chairman and CEO of SIAD Group, said the investment aligns with SIAD’s long-term strategy. “Hydrogen is a key enabler for a decarbonised future, and Hydrospark combines industrial expertise with technological vision,” he said.
For Brembo, the technology has strategic relevance. SOEC units can supply high-efficiency electricity and heat, or produce green hydrogen on-site, helping to decarbonise production plants. The partnership also opens potential for new ceramic processing methods, which could influence Brembo’s advanced carbon-ceramic brake discs and lead to lighter, more heat-tolerant friction components or caliper coatings.
“Our investment reflects a commitment to fostering dynamic entrepreneurial talent and advancing innovative solutions,” said Matteo Tirabochi, Executive Chairman of Brembo Group.
In a separate development last month, SIAD Group launched an €11 million plant in Slovakia to recover food-grade carbon dioxide from bioethanol, producing 40,000 tonnes of biogenic CO₂, with plans to potentially double output in a second phase.