Medium Temperature Water Electrolysis

Hydrogen has the potential to provide a reliable, secure and clean source of power. Water offers a practical way of hydrogen production in association with renewable energy sources. The main challenges for water electrolysers are high cost, low efficiency and insufficient lifetime. The strategy of MEDLYS to address these issues is to develop novel materials and technologies for a medium temperature steam electrolyser operating at 200-400oC. The temperature range is optimal for 1) improving thermodynamics and kinetics of the process, 2) potentially replacing noble metal based catalysts with cost-effective alternatives, 3) allowing for a wide selection of construction materials from metals, ceramics and thermal plastics for conducting, insulating or sealing purposes and 4) maintaining long-term durability. MEDLYS will starts with development of fundamental materials including inorganic/composite proton conducting electrolyte, alternative catalysts and other construction (electrode substrate, current collector, and bipolar plate) materials. Based on the materials, electrolyser components will be manufactured and a lab-scale cell will be constructed for evaluation and concept-proof test. The proposal is based on the results from ongoing activities within DSF HyCycle Center by most of the consortium partners, who have expertise from materials science and technological know-how and strong intention to further exploit the achievements after the project. The fulfilment of MEDLYS objectives is believed to bring breakthroughs in the hydrogen production technology, which, in turn, would promote the renewable energy technologies on a national as well as an European and global level.