Supporting the validation of harmonised low-temperature electrolysis protocols
Low-temperature electrolysis technologies, namely alkaline electrolysers and proton-exchange membrane electrolysers are in the front run for large-scale deployment in industrial electrolysis applications. Newcomers in the field are anion-exchange membrane electrolysers. All of them still have knowledge gaps that need to be filled which is addressed in this document by making use of a 30 kW low-temperature electrolysis test bench for examination of stacks.
This report contributes to the European Commission's objective of accelerating the European hydrogen economy by rapidly scaling up electrolyser deployments to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy sources. In line with the ambitious targets set by REPowerEU and the European Union Clean Industrial Deal (COM(2025) 85 final), it is essential to address key knowledge gaps regarding electrolyser performance, lifespan, and durability, as well as pressing environmental and safety concerns, in a timely manner.
Specifically, this study examines how to leverage a newly acquired testing facility for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysers to strengthen the Joint Research Centre's support for the European Union's hydrogen policy agenda and address stack performance and long-term durability under intermittent real-world renewable power profiles, safety limits at low partial loads, and the environmental impact of membrane-derived PFAS residues.
NOHL Markus;
BLAGOEVA Darina;
MALKOW Klaus Thomas;
PILENGA Alberto;
SATURNIO Antonio;
2025-12-12
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC139829
978-92-68-34993-9 (online),
978-92-68-35112-3 (print),
1831-9424 (online),
1018-5593 (print),
EUR 40574,
OP KJ-01-25-630-EN-N (online),
OP KJ-01-25-630-EN-C (print),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139829,
10.2760/9643396 (online),
10.2760/0273137 (print),
