Novel alkaline electrolyser with optimized micro-patterned electrodes for efficient ultra-low cost hydrogen

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£249,905

May 31, 2023

Nov. 30, 2023

**Challenge:**

So far hydrogen production is too expensive. Currently the market is served by 96% grey hydrogen (meaning H2 created by natural gas or methane, without capturing greenhouse gases) which is responsible for 830M Tonnes of CO2 emissions. Blue hydrogen is no alternative since it is basically the same as grey hydrogen, just with carbon capturing. In reality CO2 capture is very expensive and has the added problem of methane leakage along the supply chain.

Green hydrogen, meaning hydrogen produced by renewable energy sources, is currently prized at around 5US$/kg. This prize needs to come down to a third in order to make it an effective energy source. At Electrogenos we aim to make green hydrogen the most viable and competitive technology. We are taking a top-down approach to achieve that goal with < 1.5$/Kg by 2025\. Because we are dealing with a very competitive market our technology is set for rapid commercialization.

This project aligns perfectly with the UK's 'Net Zero' strategy of 5GW of low carbon hydrogen capacity by 2030\. It would also boost the UK's position as hydrogen producing nation.

**Innovation:**

In this project we will develop a novel surface enhancement technique for the electrodes of our 4kW electrolyser prototype. The enhanced electrodes will boost efficiency and durability of the hydrolyser cell. This will provide a higher output of hydrogen while saving costs. It will improve the integral part of our product, the electrolyser cell itself.

This project has the benefit of coupling disruptive manufacturing tools (soft tools) with a novel design that can outperform what is now available on the market (being made of precious metals or achieved through expensive manufacturing techniques).Our chief scientist is specialized in developing microstructures via electroplating for the heat-exchanger market which has very tight profit margins and keeping costs to a minimum through scalable continuous manufacturing is a must. During his PhD thesis he developed many electrocatalysts for hydrogen production processes. Both experiences led to the next logical step in founding Electrogenos Ltd with its unique approach to develop novel electrolyser cells. This grant funded project would offer us the opportunity to further our technology and speed up commercialization.