HPEM2GAS project: High Performance PEM Electrolyzer for Cost-effective Grid Balancing Applications

Hydrogen is an alternative energy carrier mediating between energy distribution and renewables.

The HPEM2GAS project will develop a low cost PEM electrolyser optimised for grid management through both stack and balance of plant innovations, culminating in a six month field test of an advanced 180 – 300 kW  PEM electrolyser. The electrolyser developed will implement an advanced BoP and improved stack design and components. Several strategies are applied to lower the overall cost, thus enabling widespread utilization of the technology. These primarily concern an three-fold increase in current density (resulting in the proportional decrease in capital costs) whilst maintaining cutting edge efficiency, a material use minimisation approach in terms of reduced membrane thickness whilst keeping the gas cross-over low, and reducing the precious metal loading.

Further, improving the stack lifetime and a reduction of the system complexity without compromising safety or operability. All these solutions contribute significantly to reducing the electrolyser CAPEX and OPEX costs.