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Sea water Electrolysis by AEM technology For VariOus Liquid feeds without pre-Treatment

Project description

Turning seawater into clean fuel

Clean water is in short supply across much of the world, yet most systems that produce green hydrogen still depend on it. As the push for green energy gains pace, the need for solutions that do not strain precious freshwater supplies is becoming more urgent, especially in regions already facing water shortages. In this context, the EU-funded Sea4Volt project is developing an electrolyser that runs directly on seawater. Using a new generation of anion exchange membranes and corrosion-resistant materials, the system operates efficiently and sustainably under mild conditions. With its focus on low-cost, PFAS-free components, Sea4Volt could reduce the cost of green hydrogen production. If successful, it may unlock new clean energy potential for coastal areas and developing regions, all without competing with precious freshwater resources.

Objective

The main objective of the Sea4Volt project is the development of a novel low temperature Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser concept, able to operate efficiently, selectively, and durably with a direct seawater feed under a slight pH-gradient. Reaching this will require identifying and developing new suitable materials (catalysts, membrane, coatings, porous transport layers, bipolar plates, sealings), as well as novel electrolyser design options.

The Sea4Volt will develop and demonstrate a direct seawater electrolyser prototype with novel materials/components and membrane/ionomers to reach effective high-performing and corrosion-resistant seawater electrolysis system. Results of in-operation tests will be published in public deliverables, workshops, and conferences, making it possible for the partners outside of Sea4Volt consortium to exploit leading to a wider impact throughout the European electrolyzer and fuel cell industry.

The choice of the newly emerged AEM technology proposed in this project, on one hand, emphasises the extensive innovative technological impact exhibited in the implementation of novel non-CRM materials, PFAS-free anion exchange membranes and ionomers, new electrode designs and protective coatings. On the other hand, the intrinsic cost-effectiveness of the AEM technology, embedded in utilization of low-cost materials, is expected to provide further cost reductions to such an offshore electrolyser system, and will result to anticipated lower cost of green hydrogen production.

The technology enabling the generation of green hydrogen directly from seawater holds immense societal-wide impacts. Shift towards green hydrogen production could also stimulate economic growth through the creation of new industries and job opportunities, particularly in regions with abundant seawater resources. Sea4Volt is also being targeted in the areas characterised with deficit of fresh water especially in underdeveloped regions around the globe.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-JTI-CLEANH2-2024

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Coordinator

TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 805 243,79
Address
TEKNIIKANTIE 21
02150 Espoo
Finland

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Region
Manner-Suomi Helsinki-Uusimaa Helsinki-Uusimaa
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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Participants (7)

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