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Next Generation PEM Electrolyser under New Extremes

Objective

Water electrolysis supplied by renewable energy is the foremost technology for producing “green” hydrogen for
fuel cell vehicles. The ability to follow rapidly an intermittent load makes this an ideal solution for grid balancing.
To achieve large-scale application of PEM electrolysers, a significant reduction of capital costs is required together
with a large increase of production rate and output pressure of hydrogen, while assuring high efficiency and safe
operation. To address these challenges, a step-change in PEM electrolysis technology is necessary. The NEPTUNE
project develops a set of breakthrough solutions at materials, stack and system levels to increase hydrogen pressure
to 100 bar and current density to 4 A cm-2 for the base load, while keeping the nominal energy consumption <50
kWh/kg H2. The rise in stack temperature at high current density will be managed by using Aquivion® polymers for
both membrane and ion exchange resin. Aquivion® is characterised by enhanced conductivity, high glass transition
temperature and increased crystallinity. Dramatic improvements in the stack efficiency will be realised using novel
thin reinforced membranes, able to withstand high differential pressures. An efficient recombination catalyst will
solve any gas crossover safety issues. Newly developed electro-catalysts with increased surface area will promote
high reaction rates. The novel solutions will be validated by demonstrating a robust and rapid-response electrolyser
of 48 kW nominal capacity with a production rate of 23 kg H2/day. The aim is to bring the new technology to
TRL5 and prove the potential to surpass the 2023 KPIs of the MAWP 2017. The proposed solutions contribute
significantly to reducing the electrolyser CAPEX and OPEX costs. The project will deliver a techno-economic
analysis and an exploitation plan to bring the innovations to market. The consortium comprises an electrolyser
manufacturer, suppliers of membranes, catalysts and MEAs and an end-user.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

  • H2020-EU.3.3. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy MAIN PROGRAMME
    See all projects funded under this programme
  • H2020-EU.3.3.8.2. - Increase the energy efficiency of production of hydrogen mainly from water electrolysis and renewable sources while reducing operating and capital costs, so that the combined system of the hydrogen production and the conversion using the fuel cell system can compete with the alternatives for electricity production available on the market
    See all projects funded under this programme
  • H2020-EU.3.3.8.1. - Increase the electrical efficiency and the durability of the different fuel cells used for power production to levels which can compete with conventional technologies, while reducing costs
    See all projects funded under this programme

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.

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.

RIA - Research and Innovation action

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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) H2020-JTI-FCH-2017-1

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Coordinator

ITM POWER UK LIMITED
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.

€ 603 750,00
Address
2 BESSEMER PARK
S9 1DZ SHEFFIELD
United Kingdom

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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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.

€ 603 750,00

Participants (5)

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