Challenge
Global warming presents a critical threat to life on Earth, driving the urgent need to shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources.
Electrification and green hydrogen are key to decarbonization, with green hydrogen being vital for sectors like heavy industry and long-duration energy storage that are difficult to decarbonize.
However, the current high cost of green hydrogen limits its feasibility, demanding innovation in electrolyser efficiency and hydrogen transport.
Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysers (AEMEL) have emerged as a promising solution, blending the cost-effective materials of alkaline electrolysers (AEL) with the membrane-based approach of proton exchange membrane electrolysers (PEMEL). AEMELs offer high efficiency, operational flexibility, and can operate at high pressures, potentially removing the need for mechanical compressors.
Currently, AEMELs have a lower technology readiness level due to low maturity of the components used in these systems.
Progress requires advancements in catalysts, membranes, transport layers, and stack designs, alongside larger-scale demonstrations to validate operational metrics and commercial viability.
Solution
The HyPrAEM project pursues an innovative approach to hydrogen production through the development of a groundbreaking AEMEL.
This solution aims to address key challenges in the hydrogen production industry by ensuring sustainable, high-efficiency, and high-pressure electrolysis suitable for integration with renewable energy sources. Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the HyPrAEM solution.
The project incorporates strategies for environmental responsibility, aligning with broader EU goals for a carbon-neutral future.
Comprehensive techno-economic and life cycle assessments will be conducted to validate the solution’s viability and ensure that it meets stringent environmental standards.
HyPrAEM’s 100 bar AEM electrolyser will enable direct coupling with the European hydrogen backbone and ensure reliable and steady supply of green hydrogen to the thermochemical industries.
OUTCOMES
To strengthen European leadership in AEMEL, substantial advancements are being pursued in the development, manufacturing, and deployment of AEMEL for pressurized hydrogen production.
By 2027, novel high-power short-stack layouts are anticipated for these pressurized AEMELs, alongside the establishment of scalable manufacturing processes to meet growing market demands
Novel AEMEL stack layout for pressurized hydrogen production.
Next generation components (catalysts, ionomers, membranes, porous transport layers (PTL’s), Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA’s)) for AEMEL.
Increase in stack size, operational flexibility, and stack lifetime.
Strengthen European leadership in AEMEL.
IMPACT
By 2050, hydrogen is expected to constitute around 13-14% of Europe’s energy mix, according to the European Commission’s Strategic Vision for Climate Neutrality.
Recent assessments suggest a significant rise in electrolyser capacity by 2035, ranging from 37-66 GW, yet the technology falls short of the required key performance indicators (KPIs).
HyPrAEM targets align with Clean Hydrogen Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) goals for AEMEL by 2030, enhancing the EU’s leadership and setting a new industry standard.
Increase uptake within thermochemical industry aided by the direct buffering of intermittently produced hydrogen, ensuring steady, reliable supply of green hydrogen.
Decrease Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and increase adoption of AEMEL.
Increase in Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of AEMEL and increase addressable market size for AEMEL.
Economic benefits for key supply chain players of AEMEL within EU.
HyPrAEM FAST FACTS
Starting Date / Partners / Countries / Work Packages / Deliverables / Euro Budget / Months Duration
Project Road Map
Grant Agreement No: (PROPOSAL ID 101192442)
Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project Funded By
Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft
Confédération suisse
Confederazione Svizzera
Confederaziun svizra
Swiss Confederation
Federal Department of Economic Affairs,
Education and Research EAER
State Secretariat for Education,
Research and Innovation SERI
This work was supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
The project is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members.
Project Coordinator
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Christodoulos Chatzichristodoulou
[email protected]
Dissemination & Communication
RTD Talos Ltd.
Demetris Xenophontos
[email protected]
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HyPrAEM
Project Coordinator
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Christodoulos Chatzichristodoulou
[email protected]
Dissemination & Communication
Demetris Xenophontos
[email protected]