Renewable Energy Solutions: The Technologies Driving Hydrogen Fuel Cell & Electrolyser Progress
- Can you give us an overview of how innovations in fuel cell and electrolyser technologies, specifically PEMFC, AFC, PEMEL, and AEL, are paving the way for hydrogen's role in decarbonisation, as explored in your recent white paper?
FS: “These technologies are vital in their capacity to increase, system reliability and system efficiency while at the same time helping to decrease the cost of ownership. Their effective use can also decrease the cost of manufacturing, through simplicity or standardisation, by, for example the multiple usage of parts in different systems.”
PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells) and the avoidance of shortages
- Given the projected growth of the hydrogen economy, how do PEMFC electrolyser and fuel cell technologies adapt to ensure scalability and sustainability?
FS: In terms of ability to adapt and scale, it is important to use techniques relying on different raw materials to avoid shortages as much as possible. PEMFC is also compact in build and relatively low temperatures so usage in homes and cars is possible, which supports a huge potential for acceptance and growth. - In what ways does your white paper suggest improving the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of PEMFC technology for automotive applications?
FS: There are four ways we see renewable energy solutions like PEMFC technology positively impacting in this regard.- By making the build easier with reduced parts
- By increasing efficiency of the system leading to less hydrogen needed for the same output or in other words more output for the same hydrogen input
- By reducing scrap
- By reducing the decal ink needed for Catalyst Coated Membrane (CCM) production
PEMEL (Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysers) and the energy storage challenge
- How do PEMEL technologies support grid stability and energy storage solutions, especially in the context of fluctuating supply and demand?
FS: “The biggest strength of PEMEL is in it’s ability to quickly react to changing power generation currents and demands. They can be started and stopped quickly, without harming the system and/or loosing efficiency.
As well as this, PEMEL tech usually build smaller than Alkaline Water Electrolyser technology (AWEL) for example. For this reason it could be suitable in particular to be used in de-centralised energy scenarios, such as housing, small factories, hospitals and schools. That versatility and reactability is important for supply and demand possibilities.”
- What other role can PEMEL technology play in the future of green hydrogen production?
FS: “A key advantage is PEMEL can be run by the private sector, in terms of housing, schools, hospitals, farms, and more whereas AWEL projects usually have huge footprints with massive upfront investment and need for a stable supply of energy.”
- In your analysis, what are the key factors driving the cost reductions in AEL technology, making it a viable option for large-scale hydrogen production?
FS: “There are three aspects I look at in that respect. Firstly, volume increase leads to cost decrease. Secondly, market security and clarity leads to investments for more efficient production of sub-components, and thirdly, increased efficiency leads to decreased costs per kg H2.”
- How can AEL technologies be integrated with renewable energy sources to optimise hydrogen production?
FS: “One scenario could be to site large centralised facilities connected to large scale wind/solar parks, ensuring a constant energy supply.”
Importance of policy in delivering clarity to market
- What are the main barriers to the widespread adoption of these technologies, and how does your white paper propose we address them?
FS: “As it stands, there is not enough clarity in the market, not enough security. There are delays in industrialisation, uncertain demand for hydrogen, everchanging subsidies and political environments, technical uncertainty, not enough standardization. Removing some or all of these barriers help with that clarity.”
- Finally, how can stakeholders from various sectors—government, industry, academia—collaborate effectively to accelerate the adoption of these critical decarbonisation technologies?
FS: “It is, as mentioned, essential to agree on “stable” market environments; with no “quick shots” or short term solutions. Go for more long-term planning and reliable funding programs. Sometimes “good enough is better than perfect”. Just lets get started”
For more in-depth reading about fuel cell and electrolyser technologies download our latest, free White Paper.
