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The Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW) Successfully Generates Hydrogen More Cheaply

By May 1, 2019 2   min read  (266 words)

May 1, 2019 |

ZSW Electrolyzer
  • Research platform with optimized electrolyzer at commercial power-to-gas plant started

Hydrogen from green electricity can increase the share of renewable energies in the transport sector and reduce fine dust and nitrogen oxide emissions. However, the generation of the green gas is still too expensive. 

The Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW) has now together with its partners tested a cost reduction research platform: with a research electrolyser commissioned in early 2019 on a commercial power-to-gas plant in southern Germany Grenzach-Wyhlen, the scientists achieved 20 percent more power density than the industrial part of the system due to new electrode coatings. 

The electrolyzer also consists of fewer parts and is better suited for mass production. The progress made could in future reduce the costs of electrolysers. The durability of the improved electrode coating is currently under investigation.

To reduce costs, the ZSW researchers and its partners from science and industry have recently set up a research platform at the industrial 1-megawatt facility on the Upper Rhine. The focus is on climate-friendly mobility.

“The participating companies and institutes can test and optimize components in a real environment in the research facility”, says Dr. Michael Specht, Head of the ZSW Department Regenerative Energy  “For example, we have been testing since January an optimized alkaline pressure electrolysis system with a maximum of 300 Kilowatts of power under real conditions. We have now newly developed cheaper electrodes with a simpler design. “In the future the participants want among other things also compressors, rectifiers Energy carrier and process.

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