CORDIS

The large-scale deployment of wind power and solar energy sources will strongly contribute to the implementation of Europe’s energy policies objectives. However, these resources are characterised by intermittent behaviour and their fluctuations affect the stability and reliability of the electrical grid. Consequently, there is a strong need for rapid-response, cost-effective and scalable energy storage systems capable of absorbing the electrical power exceeding the capacity of a transport and distribution line. This will considerably reduce the investments needed to build a new grid infrastructure.
Hydrogen produced from water electrolysis can play a significant role as energy storage medium. Electrolysis can support the electricity grid in terms of power quality, frequency and voltage control, peak shaving, load shifting and demand response. In this regard, electrolysers should be designed to follow the variable energy generation profile of renewable power sources locally available and to adapt to the intermittent profile of electricity supply.
The overall objective of the HPM2GAS project is to develop, validate and demonstrate robust, flexible and rapid-response self-pressurising PEM electrolyser technology based on advanced cost-effective components with dynamic properties for interfacing to the grid. The project addresses both stack and balance of plant innovations and culminates in a six month field test of an advanced 180 kW PEM electrolyser. In particular, the electrolyser developed will implement an advanced BoP and improved stack design and components (e.g. bipolar plates, membranes, electrocatalysts).
Several strategies are applied to lower the overall cost, thus enabling widespread utilisation of the technology. These primarily concern a three-fold increase in current density (resulting in the proportional decrease in capital costs) whilst maintaining cutting edge efficiency. And applying 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. HPEM2GAS also aims to deliver a techno-economic analysis and an exploitation plan to bring the innovations to market.