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Performant and Efficient Planar Proton-conducting Electrolysis Reactor

Project description

New tech for green hydrogen production

Green hydrogen is a key solution for decarbonising the energy system, reducing environmental damage and combating climate change. However, current production cannot meet the growing demand. The EU-funded PEPPER project is developing a new electrochemical reactor using planar proton-conducting ceramic electrolysis cells (PCCEL). Operating at 600 °C, this technology seamlessly integrates with industrial waste heat, improving efficiency while reducing energy consumption and emissions. PEPPER aims to validate key technologies, set performance benchmarks and create a roadmap for fast scale-up, industrialisation and commercialisation. By making green hydrogen production more sustainable and cost-effective, the project will help industries like heavy transport, steel and chemicals transition away from fossil fuels, meet the increasing demand for hydrogen and support Europe’s clean energy goals.

Objective

The PEPPER project introduces a groundbreaking advancement in hydrogen production technology aimed at meeting the soaring global demand for green hydrogen. At the heart of PEPPER lies the development of a cutting-edge planar Proton Conducting Ceramic Electrolysis Cell (PCCEL) reactor. Operating optimally between 400C and 600C, PEPPER's PCCEL technology aligns seamlessly with industrial waste heat sources, maximizing resource utilization.

By harnessing two robust planar cell technologies and optimizing material interfaces and manufacturing processes, PEPPER aims to slash electrical energy consumption by up to 20% compared to existing low-temperature electrolysis methods.

Led by the Deutsches Zentrum fr Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), PEPPER boasts a consortium includes key European research and industrial partners. This collaborative effort ensures a holistic approach to research and innovation, emphasizing real-world applicability. PEPPER's objectives encompass the fabrication of cells up 100cm in size, the validation of PCCELs under various conditions, the integration into specialized short stacks tailored for PCCEL technology, and the demonstration of long-term operational stability and safety at temperatures 600C. Through comparative studies with Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOEL), PEPPER aims to establish benchmarks for performance and sustainability, guided by comprehensive Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), setting a pathway towards commercialization.

By elevating technological readiness from TRL 2 to TRL 4 PEPPER will set the stage for a future where highly efficient and environmentally sustainable hydrogen production can significantly contribute to Europe's energy security and decarbonization goals.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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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

DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV
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.

€ 745 704,93
Address
LINDER HOHE
51147 KOLN
Germany

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Region
Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Köln, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
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 (9)

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