e-STORE: Further improvement of PEM electrolysis for flexible energy storage

Recent advances within PEM electrolysis have opened new possibilities for the application in energy system balancing and fuelling of the transport sector. Power-to-gas technology represents the most promising technology for long-term energy storage that is also capable of fuelling the transport sector. The upstream (e.g. biogas and gasification gas) and downstream (direct use of hydrogen, methanation and methanol synthesis) processes involved are established and commercially available. Further improvement of PEM electrolysis will be obtained through an interdisciplinary approach of new materials in an improved cell and stack design to secure a sustainable hydrogen production technology. A high cost of the initial investment of the electrolyser is a core challenge; hence the electrolyser performance (power density and efficiency) along with lifetime and degradation rate is central for the economic feasibility. This project will develop the current State-of-the-Art (SoA) of PEM electrolyser technology towards significantly increased power density through fundamental materials development combined with advanced simulation and diagnostics tools to prevent excessive degradation. The research groups included in this project proposal represent the leading laboratories in Denmark; within this field of research, and the strong industrial partner ensure firm links to the end-application. The goal is to bring Danish PEM electrolysers in the international forefront with respect to key performance metrics and prepare this key technology for application in the future energy system.