PEM-Electrolysis: Pushing PEM Water Electrolysis Towards Significant Improvements in Enhanced Performance and Lifetime

To achieve climate neutrality, the production of green hydrogen is essential for various sectors, such as the chemical and steel industry, and mobility. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis offers the possibility of efficient production of hydrogen using renewable energy. In PEMPIRE, the goal is to develop a cost-effective and long-term robust PEM electrolysis stack that incorporates novel materials, such as membrane electrode assemblies with low precious metal loading.

Initial Situation

To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, as defined in the “European Green Deal,” the EU is promoting the adoption of clean hydrogen technologies in sectors that are difficult to electrify. The EU Hydrogen Strategy, the “REPowerEU Plan,” and the “Net-Zero Industry Act” position renewable hydrogen as a strategic pillar for decarbonization and energy resilience. PEM water electrolysis is crucial in this context due to its compact design, the easy production of hydrogen at high pressure, and its ability to respond quickly to volatile renewable energy sources. The “PEMPIRE” project aims to develop and demonstrate a cost-effective PEM stack with low catalyst loading, high power density, and high long-term stability.

Objective

The goal of the project is to develop and demonstrate a new generation of scalable and cost-effective PEM electrolysers at Technology Readiness Level 6. To this end, a stack with a power input of 20 kW will be developed and characterized over 2,000 hours. This goal will be achieved through the joint development of recyclable catalysts and novel membrane electrode assemblies with low catalyst loading, combined with optimized stack and balance-of-plant (BoP) systems and simulation analyses. These developments are supported by comprehensive, targeted techno-economic and life-cycle analyses to evaluate technological advancements in terms of costs and environmental impacts.

Approach

“PEMPIRE” combines experimental and simulation-based investigations of the components developed in the project. On the experimental side, performance and durability characterizations of the developed generations of membrane electrode assemblies will be conducted at the cell and stack levels. The simulation-based investigations focus on the development of degradation models and accelerated stress tests. In addition, predictive studies will be conducted through techno-economic analyses, performed in "H2ProSim", and life-cycle assessments that rates technological developments in terms of their cost and environmental impact. In addition, relevant recycling processes are analyzed. Through this, we aim to develop a systematic understanding of durability, cost drivers, and environmental impacts.

The Project "PEMPIRE"  is funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.

The Project is co-funded by the European Union.