Project description
A three-phase electrolyser boosts hydrogen production
Cost remains a major barrier to scaling up hydrogen production, hindering its contribution to the green energy transition. Funded by the ERC, the 3P-EL project will develop a three-phase electrolyser designed to achieve higher efficiency, durability and scalability. The new configuration stabilises the electrochemical environment, reduces overpotential stress and extends catalyst lifespan, thereby cutting maintenance costs. Compatible with renewable energy sources, the system has demonstrated up to 20 % lower energy consumption in lab-scale tests, showing strong promise for industrial applications. The overall goal is to make hydrogen a cost-effective, sustainable energy carrier and enhance its competitive advantage over conventional fuels.
Objective
The 3P-EL project focuses on developing a three-phase electrolyser which represents a groundbreaking innovation in hydrogen production technology. By overcoming the fundamental limitations of traditional methods, it provides a more sustainable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solution. The invention’s scalability and compatibility with renewable energy sources position it as a transformative tool in advancing the global transition to a hydrogen-based green energy economy, enhancing its competitiveness with other energy sources.
We aim to develop a novel reactor concept with the potential to achieve significantly higher energy efficiency compared to existing designs. At its core, the three-phase electrolyser features a new electrode configuration. Furthermore, by stabilizing the electrochemical environment and minimizing overpotential stress, the catalyst’s lifespan is significantly extended, reducing maintenance costs. The improved efficiency and durability of the system make it highly suitable for large-scale applications, promoting hydrogen as a future green chemical resource and energy carrier.
Preliminary lab-scale tests have revealed highly promising prospects, demonstrating the system’s ability to achieve approximately 20% lower energy consumption in hydrogen production. These early results indicate strong potential for scaling up the technology, reinforcing its viability for industrial applications. If successfully developed, this advancement could significantly propel green hydrogen production, reduce energy consumption and operational costs, and accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies.
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.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering ecosystem-based management climatic change mitigation
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy hydrogen energy
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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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) ERC-2025-POC
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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.
01069 Dresden
Germany
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.