Project description
Paving the way for large-scale hydrogen production
Green hydrogen is a vital component of European decarbonisation strategies. However, its scalability remains a challenge due to expensive electrolyser technology and renewable electricity costs required for operation. To address this, the EU-funded NEREUS project aims to develop efficient and durable anion-exchange membrane electrolyser stacks that are compatible with intermittent renewable energy sources, suitable for both decentralised and industrial applications. By optimising components such as membranes, bipolar plates and cell frames, and eliminating the need for costly precious metal catalysts, it will improve overall performance and cost-effectiveness. To ensure operational safety, efficiency and reliability, the system will also be equipped with a compact balance of plant and advanced diagnostic tools.
Objective
NEREUS aims to push the boundaries of low-temperature water electrolysis by developing next-generation anion-exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers that combine high performance, durability, and cost efficiency. The project introduces novel cell and stack configurations based on platinum-group-metal-free electrodes, advanced membranes, and precision-engineered components such as bipolar plates, frames, and gaskets. A key innovation lies in the drastic reduction of cell thickness and the integration of a smart, compact Balance of Plant (BoP) — featuring high-efficiency power electronics, advanced gas-liquid separators, and intelligent fluid and pressure management systems — to realize a >20 kW AEM-EL system designed for dynamic load conditions.
Engineered for direct DC-DC coupling with renewable sources, the system supports seamless off-grid operation with minimal energy losses, while also offering grid-friendly services such as frequency and voltage regulation. This dual flexibility strengthens both energy autonomy and grid stability. Compliance with EU harmonized testing protocols (JRC) ensures robust performance evaluation and smooth alignment with industry standards. NEREUS also incorporates advanced diagnostic tools and machine learning models to predict and mitigate degradation mechanisms at multiple levels, improving operational lifespan and reliability.
From early design phases, the project embeds certification pathways and regulatory considerations, streamlining the route to commercialization. By fostering interoperability, safety, and long-term sustainability, NEREUS responds directly to the objectives of the HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-01 call, paving the way for widespread deployment of hydrogen technologies in Europe's clean energy transition.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy hydrogen energy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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.
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.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025
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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.
16121 Genova
Italy
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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.