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The race for clean energy solutions is on, and hydrogen is a frontrunner. But current methods of hydrogen production often come with drawbacks, like high energy consumption. A new project, however, is aiming to revolutionize the game with advanced alkaline electrolysis technology for pressurized hydrogen (H2) production with the potential for near-zero energy loss.

Electrolysis: The Power of Splitting Water

Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to split water (H2O) into its constituent elements: hydrogen and oxygen. This green hydrogen can then be used in fuel cells to generate clean electricity, power vehicles, or fuel industrial processes.

The Challenge: Energy Efficiency

While electrolysis offers a clean way to produce hydrogen, the process itself can be energy-intensive. Traditional methods often require additional compression steps to reach the high pressures needed for storage and transportation. This compression adds a significant energy cost, reducing the overall efficiency of hydrogen production.

HYPRAEL: A Game-Changer

Enter HYPRAEL, a European Union-funded project developing the next generation of advanced alkaline electrolysers (AELs). These AELs aim to produce hydrogen gas at high pressures (at least 80 bar, ideally 100 bar), eliminating the need for separate compression stages.

Benefits of Pressurized Hydrogen Production:

• Reduced Energy Consumption: By eliminating the compression step, HYPRAEL technology promises to significantly improve the overall energy efficiency of hydrogen production.
• Lower Costs: Reduced energy usage translates to lower production costs, making green hydrogen more competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
• Simplified Infrastructure: Eliminating the need for separate compression stations simplifies the hydrogen production infrastructure.
• Safer Storage and Transportation: High-pressure hydrogen requires less storage space and can be transported more efficiently.

Beyond Efficiency: A Greener Future

HYPRAEL’s advanced alkaline electrolysis technology holds immense potential for a more sustainable future. By making green hydrogen production more efficient and cost-effective, it can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and pave the way for a cleaner, greener energy landscape.

The Future of HYPRAEL

The project is currently in its development. As research progresses, we can expect to see further advancements in this exciting technology. With continued innovation, HYPRAEL’s pressurized alkaline electrolysis could become a game-changer in the race for clean and sustainable hydrogen production.

Looking to explore the future of green hydrogen? This September, join Hydrogen Europe at the European Hydrogen Valleys in Riga, Latvia. This pivotal event brings together the most promising emerging companies in the hydrogen space with established investors, corporate partners, and industry experts.

Electrolysis, a critical technology for hydrogen generation, will be a key topic of discussion. The event also features dedicated subtracks on storage and other crucial aspects of the hydrogen value chain.

Don’t miss this opportunity to:

• Learn about the latest advancements in electrolysis technology.
• Network with leading players in the hydrogen sector.
• Explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities.

Register now and be part of the future of hydrogen!

Link to Event: https://digitaltechsummit.eu/events/2024/9/event-european-hydrogen-valleys-2024%5B3%5D.html?pageId=7738391

Hydrogen & Fuel Cells was one of the topics and trends at the Hannover Messe 2024. 

The world’s leading industrial trade fair, HANNOVER MESSE, is set to be a hub for innovation in clean energy. Over 500 exhibitors from the hydrogen and fuel cell sector showcased their latest advancements, fostering collaboration and accelerating the path towards a global emissions-free future. The Hall 13 was a central location for these exhibitors, including the exclusive Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE community. This concentration of expertise offered a dynamic environment for attendees to explore the full potential of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

Our partner Fraunhofer presented HYPRAEL

At the Fraunhofer IWS and Fraunhofer IFAM booth at Hannover Messe 2024, research results of the institute were presented, including atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) coated SEA from the HYPRAEL project.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, one of the world’s leading applied research organizations, is celebrating its 75th anniversary on March 26.

Press Release

“Just like its namesake, Fraunhofer stands for bringing pioneering research and entrepreneurship together. The efficient and sustainable transfer of scientific knowledge into real-world applications is the common thread running through our 75-year history. Our success is based on the commitment of over 30,000 employees, who work hard every day to develop innovative solutions for current and future markets, thereby giving our partners a decisive advantage in the international competition. We would like to thank them all,” explained Prof. Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, on the occasion of the anniversary. Government, business and society worldwide are currently facing major challenges and changes. “Our market-driven research is actively contributing to a sustainable, secure and prosperous future. I am proud to be part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and to be involved in shaping the future.”

Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Federal Minister of Education and Research, said: “The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has been shaping the German scientific system for 75 years now. It conducts research for real-world applications, keeping an eye on new technologies and markets. Fraunhofer stands for successful transfers and a vibrant start-up culture. It dares to make progress. All of this is becoming increasingly important in the face of growing international competition. As a country of innovation, we must not only conduct excellent research but also utilize the results in the domestic economy. The ace up our sleeve is our collaboration and ecosystems with partners from science and industry. The success of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is driven by its employees, who master the balancing act between research and entrepreneurial thinking on a daily basis and are committed to finding solutions.”

Dr. Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister-President and honorary member of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, added: “Technology is the future! Fraunhofer has been combining cutting-edge research with real-world applications for 75 years and is an international leader in this field. Happy birthday and congratulations on this success! The Free State of Bavaria has been a driving force and close partner right from the start. Fraunhofer and Bavaria form a great alliance, one that we will continue in the future. As part of its High-Tech Agenda, Bavaria is currently investing over 5.5 billion euros in science and research throughout the federal state. In addition to room for 13,000 more students at universities and 1,000 professorships for the brightest minds, we are actively promoting the transfer of knowledge from research to real-world applications. Live long and prosper!”

Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger said: “The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is an indispensable research partner for companies in Bavaria and Germany, paving the way for countless innovations, especially in the German Mittelstand. We are proud that the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is deeply rooted in the Bavarian scientific landscape and is successfully advancing future topics ranging from artificial intelligence and chip design to materials and health research. I am convinced that Fraunhofer can not only proudly look back on a great past but will also be needed more than ever in the future as a driver of innovation for the economy.

Hildegard Müller, Chair of the Senate of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, said: “Fraunhofer is a German success story that proves how innovative, creative and successful our country can be when science, government and business pull together. The idea of aligning research closely with the needs of companies and real-world applications is a unique selling point for Germany as a business location that will secure us competitive advantages in the future.”

The success story of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

On March 26, 1949, State Secretary Hugo Geiger invited 210 scientists, entrepreneurs and members of society to the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. He aimed to help revive the economies of Bavaria and Germany by setting up the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The new research organization was named after Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787–1826), a Munich scholar who was equally successful as a researcher, inventor and entrepreneur.

In line with the needs of the post-war period, research in the early years focused primarily on the fields of mining, metallurgy and mechanical engineering. By electing Hermann von Siemens president in the mid-1950s and founding the first of its institutes, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft gradually evolved to become a mainstay of research in Germany. In the mid-1960s, Fraunhofer was officially designated the German science community’s umbrella organization for applied research.

In the mid-1970s, the Fraunhofer model and its performance-oriented base funding sparked the dynamic success that continues today. Germany’s reunification presented unexpected opportunities to expand. Moving swiftly and resolutely, Fraunhofer was quicker than other research organizations to seize the day, setting up more than 20 new institutes and research units in the states that had newly joined the Federal Republic.

Following the 1984 establishment of the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics, additional Fraunhofer institutes began ramping up their efforts to join forces in 1997, forming thematically focused groups and developing shared marketing concepts and research strategies. In 2015, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft founded its first-ever regional high-performance centers, where Fraunhofer institutes work closely with industry and other research partners on a local basis, covering projects on related topics. The goal was to pool strengths and tap into local potential. In 2020, Fraunhofer launched its Fraunhofer vs. Corona initiative to support the economy and society as a whole in fighting the pandemic.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft as a success model and driver of innovation

Today, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft looks back on a 75-year history full of groundbreaking inventions and solutions to complex technological challenges. Since it was first founded, the organization has continued to grow and evolve, reaching many milestones along the way that reflect its innovative strength across all the different fronts of cutting-edge research. Rising from modest beginnings to international recognition as a research organization, Fraunhofer has always been defined by inventive spirit and entrepreneurial actions — just like our namesake, Joseph von Fraunhofer. Its numerous inventions and developments, ranging from the airbag and mp3 technology to white LEDs and EUV lithography, have made it the German economy’s innovation engine.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft focuses unwaveringly on the needs of business and industry, providing valuable impetus for the evolution of key technologies that help to meet social challenges. The Fraunhofer model, which is based on industrial revenue, public-sector revenue and base funding, and centered on the needs of industry, is unique in the German innovation system. This combination of research, industry, and society also plays a crucial role in shaping the future, which makes it highly important to the entire innovation system. With 76 institutes and research units, more than 30,800 employees, an annual research budget of approximately 3.0 billion euros and many international collaborations, Fraunhofer exerts major impact in the research landscape.

Events in the anniversary year

April 22–26: Hannover Messe (Hannover)

May 16–17: Bonner Wissenschaftsnacht (Bonn Science Night) (Bonn)

June 12–13: Fraunhofer annual assembly / Fraunhofer Prize award ceremony (Munich)

June 22: Lange Nacht der Wissenschaft (Long Night of the Sciences) (Berlin)

Science talk with passers-by on the banks of the Spree in front of the Fraunhofer Forum Berlin

June 27–30: Festival der Zukunft (Festival of the Future) (Munich)

May 14 – September 27: MS Wissenschaft floating science center (throughout Germany)

November 1: Berlin Science Week (Berlin)

Syensqo joins forces with key industry players to shape the European biotech framework

Syensqo, previously part of Solvay group, joins EuropaBio, the European Association for BioIndustries. This partnership – which is implemented through the Syensqo Renewable Materials & Biotechnology platform – strengthens Syensqo’s commitment to advancing innovation and growth in biotech, contributing to the transition to a carbon-neutral future.

EuropaBio, recognized as the voice of the biotech industry in Europe, represents companies championing biotechnology and biomanufacturing; the organization’s ambition is to shape a cutting-edge and globally competitive European biotechnology framework for the benefit of European citizens.

“Syensqo is proud to join EuropaBio and work alongside other leading companies and experts in biotechnology. We believe that through collaboration and dialogue, we can create a strong European strategy to address the pressing challenges our society is facing today,” said Thomas Canova, Head of Renewable Materials & Biotechnology Growth Platform. “Joining EuropaBio reflects our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and advancing humanity through biotechnology.”

Dr. Claire Skentelbery, Director General of EuropaBio: “We are delighted to welcome Syensqo to the EuropaBio community. It is representative of industrial transition and focus into biotechnology as a fundamental component of future society, economy and sustainability. Together we build Europe’s future.”

As a member of EuropaBio, Syensqo will expand its network, gain insights into emerging trends and technologies, and enhance its visibility in the European and global biotech communities while working cooperatively with other industrial players to advocate for a stronger biotechnology framework in Europe.

Combining chemistry and biology for more sustainable solutions

Syensqo’s Renewable Materials and Biotechnology platform, launched in 2022, focuses on developing innovative and sustainable solutions using renewable feedstocks and biotechnology. It aims to meet growing demand for sustainable solutions by increasing the share of sustainable renewable carbon in Syensqo’s product offering and developing new business opportunities enabled by biotechnology. The platform’s ambition relies on a holistic innovation approach with three interconnected pillars: sustainable renewable carbon, biotechnology and end-of-life management.

About Syensqo

Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates in 30 countries.

Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.

Learn more at www.syensqo.com

About EuropaBio

EuropaBio, the European Association for Bioindustries, promotes an innovative and dynamic European biotechnology industry. EuropaBio and its members are committed to the socially responsible use of biotechnology to improve quality of life; to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure diseases; to improve the quality and quantity of food and feedstuffs and to move towards a biobased and zero-waste economy. EuropaBio represents corporate and associate members, plus national biotechnology associations and bioregions.

Read more about our work at www.europabio.org

During the presentation of the HYPRAEL project at the Energy Hydrogen Conference (EHEC) 2024, attendees learned more about our advanced alkaline electrolysis technology for the production of pressurised hydrogen with near-zero energy loss potential.

Vanesa Gil Hernández, ARAID researcher at Aragon Hydrogen Foundation (Head of R&D) as well as part of the coordinating team, during the Parallel Session 1: Alkaline Electrolyzers: Materials, Components & Stacks, had the opportunity to explain the objectives of the project and the impact it will have on cost and energy savings.

More than 30 people attended this specific session and had first-hand knowledge about the project partners and the contribution that each of them will give to HYPRAEL.

In addition, Vanesa Gil took a few minutes to mention the European Union and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership as project funders.

Don’t miss our presentation at the European Hydrogen Energy Conference (EHEC).

EHEC, organized by the Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2), brings together the brightest minds in hydrogen – from researchers and experts to industry leaders. This esteemed platform provides a stage for sharing the latest advancements, innovations, and developments in hydrogen-based technologies.

AeH2, committed to promoting sustainable and clean energy solutions, plays a crucial role in advancing the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source across the globe.

Our HYPRAEL project is perfectly positioned to contribute to this valuable event. That is why, Vanesa Gil Hernández, ARAID researcher at Aragon Hydrogen Foundation (Head of R&D) as well as part of the coordinating team is giving a presentation of HYPRAEL.

By attending our presentation, you’ll gain insights into our advanced alkaline electrolysis technology for pressurized hydrogen production with near-zero energy loss potential.

This presentation is part of the Parallel Session 1: Alkaline Electrolyzers: Materials, Components & Stacks.

Parallel Session
March 6th
Room 4

HYPRAEL makes progress and plans ahead at Steering Committee Meeting. The HYPRAEL project’s Project Steering Committee (PSC) convened in Milan, Italy, on February 21-22nd, 2024. This meeting served two key purposes:

• Oversee and validate the overall direction and policy of the project.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among partners.

During the meeting, each partner presented their progress in fulfilling their assigned roles within the project. Additionally, the team discussed various challenges encountered so far and strategized solutions for addressing them as the project moves forward.

Beyond the formal meeting, the partners gained a firsthand look at Syensqo’s facilities. This visit provided valuable insights into their expertise and contributions to the project.

The HYPRAEL consortium remains dedicated to achieving its primary goal: drastically reducing the energy consumption associated with hydrogen production. The collaborative efforts and shared knowledge gained at the PSC meeting will undoubtedly propel them closer to this crucial objective.

Some of the participants followed the meeting online.

Green Hydrogen Systems attends HyVolution 2024 in Paris

Meet Green Hydrogen Systems at HyVolution in Paris

We are excited to announce that, our partner, Green Hydrogen Systems will exhibit at the HyVolution event in Paris from January 30^th to February 1^st. HyVolution is one of Europe’s leading events focused on innovative hydrogen technologies and brings together over 360 exhibitors and 4500 professionals. The event provides an excellent opportunity for GHS to showcase our expertise in green hydrogen production and its countless applications across global and local industries. 

Presentation: Behind the Electrolysers

On January 31st at 4:30 PM in Forum 3, Jakub Lodej, International Sales Manager at GHS, will present our company’s experience with electrolysers. He will delve into the topic by discussing the current market’s main challenges. Additionally, Jakub will share valuable insights on how GHS is currently addressing these challenges to overcome them. Overall, Jakub’s presentation promises to be highly informative and engaging for all attendees of Forum 3.

Meet GHS at booth #4P20

Our team will be participating in the event. We invite you to visit booth #4P20  to learn more about our contributions to the hydrogen industry and explore our portfolio of pressurised alkaline electrolysers.

Do you have an exciting project requiring a modular electrolyser and a standardised unit that can be combined for multi-MW production?  Pre-book a meeting with us at the  Hyvolution Paris or other related events we will be present at in 2024 here. 

HYPRAEL overview at Clean Hydrogen JU AEMEL Project Findings.

Our colleague Laura Abadía, I+D coordinator, explained the project in the  “2 IN 1 WORKSHOP: Clean Hydrogen JU AEMEL Project Findings & JRC Testing Methodology on Electrolyser Degradation”.

The aim of this workshop was, first of all, to give an overview of the results of the 3 Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysers (AEMEL) projects supported by the Clean Hydrogen JU.

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership has supported a number cutting-edge projects on Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysers (AEMEL) which will be showcasing their targets, achievements and remaining challenges. It was followed by an overview of the JRC developed methodology on low temperature electrolyser degradation phenomena including accelerated testing.

The presentations during the workshop were led by:

Antonino Aricò, director of CNR ITAE, with the ANIONE project.

Luis Colmenares-Rausseo, Senior Research Scientist at SINTEF, with the CHANNEL project.

Aldo Gago, Team Leader Low Temperature Fuel Cell & Electrolysis at DLR, with the NEWELY project.

Besides, the workshop was divided in 3 sessions:

-Session 1: Overview of AEM electrolysis projects (moderated by Nikolaos Lymperopoulos)

-Session 2: Low temperature electrolyser degradation phenomena and test methodology (moderated by Thomas Malkow)

During this session, Laura Abadía explained the process

-Session 3: Roundtable discussion on electrolyser degradation phenomena, and test Methodology including ast protocols (moderated by Thomas Malkow).

The workshop was a hybrid event with the majority of presenters in physical attendance at the Clean Hydrogen JU premises joined by on-line participants.

The HYPRAEL project aims to drastically reduce the energy consumption of H2 production and contribute to reducing the overall costs of hydrogen production by increasing the output pressure of the H2 produced and improving energy efficiency by raising the temperature to at least 120°C.

HYPRAEL focuses on the development of advanced technologies for the energy and cost efficient production of compressed hydrogen (at least 80 bar).

To achieve the main objective, the well-established and mature alkaline electrolysis technology (AEL) will be significantly improved beyond the state of the art. Key innovations to avoid costly downstream mechanical compression processes will be investigated, along with advanced cell, stack and balance of plant designs to drastically reduce energy loss. Research will also be conducted on advanced and sustainable electrodes, separators, polymers and compositions, as well as on innovative architectures to advance sustainable and larger scale mass production of highly efficient electrolysers.

Aims of the HYPRAEL project

• Improve energy efficiency by 2-4 % Lower Heating Value (LHV) compared to the use of a mechanical. Eliminating the need for mechanical compression by increasing the system pressure will reduce the energy 3% reduction of LHV depending on compressor type and brand.
• Long-term stable and highly active materials improving stack durability for harsh environment.
• Increase system and components reliability and significantly reduce compression energy needs.
• Evaluate the potential value of H2 produced above state-of-the-art pressure to decarbonise our economy.
• Strengthen circular economy. HYPRAEL minimizes resource use and fosters valorising subproducts, waste streams and heat recovery.
• Direct scalability to MW electrolyser operation. Experimental evaluation at stack level of the best novel components developed in the project will be conducted in an industrial scale system as the last step.
• Contribution to renewable energy share growth. HYPRAEL will evaluate the value of electrolyser for the power system through their ability to allow higher integration of renewables.
• Keep European leadership in the front of innovation for market competitive hydrogen production to strengthen energy security and diversify the energy supply in Europe.
• Awareness increases of HYPRAEL findings, outcomes and key exploitable results. Awareness is the first point to be raised in different groups, as it is the initial step to generate interest and engage stakeholders, potential end users, scientific community, and general society.

HYPRAEL launch and partners presentation. The HYPRAEL project kick-off took place on 22 and 23 March. The launch was held in Dresden, Germany.

Advanced alkaline electrolysis technology for pressurised H2 production with potential for near-zero energy loss is a project that aims to drastically reduce the hydrogen production energy consumption.

HYPRAEL also contributes to reduce overall hydrogen production costs by increasing the output pressure of the H2 produced (at least 80 bar).

What is more,  improving the energy efficiency by raising the operating temperature beyond 100 ºC.

Aragon Hydrogen Foundation, as project coordinators are delighted to collaborate with the partners to make it happen.

During the event, all project partners presented their background, role and expectations about the project.