FABRUM

Fabrum, a Christchurch-based company, operates at the forefront of the green energy transition, specializing in advanced cryogenics and hydrogen technologies. Founded in 2004 by University of Canterbury engineering graduates Christopher Boyle and Hugh Reynolds, the company was born from a project to create a novel superconducting transformer. Their shared background in engineering and a drive to create sustainable solutions, influenced by New Zealand's unique environment, formed the company's foundation. Boyle, who serves as Managing Director, brings experience from the global power industry, while Reynolds contributes deep technical expertise.

The company engineers and manufactures end-to-end solutions for the production, storage, and dispensing of cryogenic liquids, with a significant focus on green hydrogen. Fabrum's business model involves providing these systems to a diverse global client base across heavy industry, transportation, aviation, and mining. Revenue is generated through the sale of these sophisticated systems, including their patented membrane-free electrolysers, liquefaction plants, and composite cryogenic storage vessels. A key milestone was the February 2023 Series A funding round, where Fabrum raised $23 million from strategic investors including AP Ventures, Fortescue Future Industries, and Obayashi Corporation, aimed at scaling up manufacturing and expanding its global footprint.

Fabrum's core offering revolves around its proprietary technology for liquefying gases like hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen at the point of use. This includes small-to-medium scale liquefaction systems and composite cryogenic vessels marketed under the AFCryocooler brand. A distinct feature is their membrane-free electrolyser technology, which splits water to produce high-purity hydrogen. These systems provide clients, such as mining giant Fortescue and transport company HWR, with onsite, decentralized production, guaranteeing supply and reducing the costs and emissions associated with transportation. The technology has also been selected by NASA for a Mars lander project due to its reliability and autonomy, and Fabrum has supplied its liquid hydrogen storage technology to Toyota for research and development.

Keywords: cryogenic technology, liquid hydrogen, green energy transition, hydrogen production, liquefaction systems, composite storage vessels, advanced manufacturing, zero-emission, energy infrastructure, cleantech