TNO heads consortium developing ‘Third-generation electrolyzers’

The Netherlands – TNO will collaborate with three technical universities and a number of enterprises to create a new type of electrolyser. These electrolysers must be more affordable and more efficient.

The partnership is examining the creation of cutting-edge stacks and components for electrolysers as well as the manufacturing technologies. The objective is to establish oneself as a significant provider to the global electrolyser market. ‘Third-generation electrolyzers’ is a five-year project that just got underway.

In the first large-scale 100 MW+ hydrogen plants, the majority of development initiatives are now focused on scaling up current generation electrolyser technology. TNO is collaborating with Dutch partners on second-generation PEM and alkaline electrolysers as part of the HyScaling initiative. These work better, are more effective, and cost less money. The layout, however, largely stays the same.

Synergy

The new initiative, however, focuses on a comprehensive analysis of all currently accessible methods for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen. The collaboration is also investigating CO2 electrolysis. The parties anticipate that the various concepts will work together. especially in the advancement of cutting-edge component and stack production technology.

For instance, TNO invented the Atomic Layer Deposition technology, which enables the application of thin layers of useful materials to substantial surfaces. This technology, which is being sold by spin-off business SparkNano, shows promise in the creation of novel electrolysers.

NXTGEN HIGHTECH

The NXTGEN HIGHTECH initiative, which will offer cutting-edge solutions for a new generation of production technology in six crucial areas, includes the “Third-generation electrolyzers” project. New batteries are a component of sustainable energy, in addition to green hydrogen energy.

Admatec, Bosch Transmission Technology, Robert Bosch, Coval Energy, Delft IMP, Demcon Energy Systems, HyGear, Magneto Special Anodes, NedStack fuel cell technology, SparkNano, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, VDL Groep, VSParticle Association High Tech NL, and TNO are among the companies, groups, and knowledge institutions taking part in this project.