3D structured electrode for alkaline electrolysis developed by Veco

3D Electrodes for Green Hydrogen: Veco Revolutionizes Alkaline Electrolysis

New electroforming technology reduces costs and increases efficiency in green hydrogen production | Renewable energy innovation

Veco together with Fraunhofer have developed 3D structured electrodes that promise to transform the green hydrogen industry through high-efficiency water electrolysis, a key technology for energy decarbonization in Spain and Europe.

High-efficiency electrodes: The key to competitive green hydrogen

Veco’s new electrodes for alkaline electrolyzers incorporate 3D electroforming technology that significantly improves the performance of HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) and OER (oxygen evolution reaction), fundamental processes in renewable hydrogen production.

Electroforming technology: plug & play solution

Electroforming technology allows customization of:

  • Electrode thickness
  • Specific geometries and structures
  • Shape adapted to each cell design

This customization eliminates post-treatment stages, reduces assembly costs, and facilitates direct integration into industrial electrolysis systems.

CFD simulation: Digital optimization for clean energy

The development employed CFD simulation (computational fluid dynamics) to design the optimal structure that maximizes:

  • Efficient gas bubble release
  • Optimized electrolyte flow
  • Enhanced electrocatalytic activity

Validated performance: Results in alkaline electrolyzers

Tests with alkaline electrolyzers (30% KOH, 40°C, Zirfon membrane) demonstrated that NiE3 electrodes significantly outperform traditional expanded nickel meshes:

Notable reduction in cell potential
Higher efficiency at high current densities
Ideal for high-performance systems

Applications in energy transition

This innovation positions high-performance electrolyzers as a viable solution for:

  • Industrial green hydrogen production
  • Renewable energy storage
  • Transport and industry decarbonization
  • Compliance with European Net Zero targets

Impact on the renewable hydrogen market

With Spain positioning itself as a European green hydrogen hub, these technological improvements in alkaline electrolysis reduce the CAPEX and OPEX of electrolyzers, bringing renewable hydrogen closer to competitiveness against fossil fuels.

The combination of increased electrocatalytic activity and improved bubble release positions this technology as a promising breakthrough for making hydrogen production through electrolysis more efficient and economical.

 

The HYPRAEL project has received funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under Grant Agreement No 101101452. This Partnership receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation program, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research.

 

 

High-pressure hydrogen production-hyprael

HYPRAEL to present at X-SEED project second workshop on high-pressure hydrogen production

 

The HYPRAEL project will participate in the X-SEED Project Second Workshop, a key event dedicated to high-pressure H₂ production and end-user applications. The workshop will take place on 3 February 2026 at Snam Facilities in Milan, Italy, with hybrid attendance options available.

About the workshop

This second X-SEED workshop brings together leading European projects and experts working on high-pressure hydrogen technologies. The event will focus on innovative approaches to hydrogen production at elevated pressures and real-world industrial applications where high-pressure H₂ plays a critical role.

HYPRAEL’s participation highlights the project’s pioneering work in pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology, which produces hydrogen directly at pressures exceeding 80 bar, eliminating the need for costly downstream mechanical compression.

Why this matters

High-pressure hydrogen production is essential for reducing the overall cost and energy consumption of green hydrogen systems. By connecting projects like HYPRAEL with end-users and industry stakeholders, the X-SEED workshop facilitates knowledge exchange and accelerates the path toward commercial deployment of advanced hydrogen technologies.

Workshop Highlights

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Connect with leading projects and experts in hydrogen technologies
Discover the latest developments in high-pressure hydrogen production
Learn how renewable hydrogen is being implemented in industrial applications
Visit Snam facilities (for onsite participants)

Event details

Date: 3 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 16:30 CET
Location: Snam Facilities, Piazza Santa Barbara 7, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
Format: Hybrid (in-person and online participation available)

Onsite participants will also have the unique opportunity to tour Snam’s hydrogen facilities, gaining firsthand insight into real-world hydrogen infrastructure.

Join the conversation

Whether attending in person or online, this workshop represents a valuable opportunity to explore the future of hydrogen, connect with the European hydrogen community, and discover practical pathways for implementing renewable H₂ in industry.

For agenda details and registration information, visit the X-SEED workshop page.


About HYPRAEL

HYPRAEL is a European innovation project developing advanced pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology for more efficient and cost-effective green hydrogen production. The project aims to produce hydrogen at pressures above 80 bar and temperatures up to 120°C, using sustainable PGM/CRM-free materials.

Funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under Grant Agreement No 101101452, HYPRAEL brings together leading European research institutions and industry partners including Aragon Hydrogen Foundation (coordinator), Fraunhofer IWS, AGFA, VECO, and Syensqo.

For more information:
Website: www.hyprael.eu
LinkedIn: HYPRAEL Project
Twitter/X: @HYPRAEL_EU