The ANEMEL project, spearheaded by the University of Galway and backed by the European Innovation Council, is revolutionising the green hydrogen landscape. By tackling the challenges of traditional electrolyser technologies, ANEMEL is paving the way for more sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient hydrogen production. This initiative is not just about incremental improvements; it’s about rethinking the fundamentals of electrolyser design and operation.
At the heart of ANEMEL’s innovation lies its focus on anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysers. Unlike traditional alkaline electrolysers that rely on corrosive and hazardous chemicals, or polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysers that demand ultra-pure water, ANEMEL’s AEM electrolysers are designed to handle impurities. This shift is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, it addresses the issue of water purity. “The issue with PEM electrolysers is that they require the use of precious metals – such as iridium, ruthenium, and platinum – which are very expensive,” explains ANEMEL Coordinator Dr Pau Farràs. By using cheaper, more abundant metals and designing them to operate under salty conditions, ANEMEL is making hydrogen production more accessible and less dependent on scarce resources.
Secondly, it enhances safety and reduces operational costs. Traditional electrolysers often use high concentrations of potassium hydroxide, which are corrosive and hazardous. ANEMEL aims to reduce these concentrations, making the electrolysers easier and cheaper to operate. This is a significant step towards making green hydrogen production more competitive with fossil fuel-based methods.
The project has already achieved several milestones. The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) designed a 1kW electrolyser unit, optimising its operation through simulations. They discovered that pH was a critical parameter in the performance of these electrolysers, a finding published in a peer-reviewed paper. Additionally, the project demonstrated the operation of an AEMWE system using pure water at very high current densities, leading to greater hydrogen production.
But ANEMEL’s ambitions don’t stop at improving existing technologies. The project is also exploring the use of low-quality water sources, such as seawater and wastewater. This is a game-changer, as it opens up vast new sources of water for hydrogen production, reducing competition with drinking water supplies.
The implications of ANEMEL’s work are far-reaching. If successful, it could significantly lower the cost of green hydrogen production, making it a more viable alternative to fossil fuels. It could also reduce the environmental impact of hydrogen production, as it would require less energy-intensive water purification processes.
Moreover, ANEMEL’s focus on using non-critical raw materials and improving recyclability aligns with the broader push towards a circular economy. This could help to reduce waste and mitigate the environmental impact of hydrogen production.
However, challenges remain. The project must prove that its electrolysers can operate efficiently and reliably under real-world conditions. It must also demonstrate that its technologies can be scaled up to meet the demands of a global hydrogen economy.
But if ANEMEL can overcome these hurdles, it could play a pivotal role in the transition to a net-zero future. By making green hydrogen production more sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient, ANEMEL is not just advancing technology; it’s shaping the future of energy. The project’s success could spur further innovation in the sector, accelerating the development of new technologies and approaches. It could also influence policy, driving greater investment in green hydrogen and supporting the growth of a global hydrogen economy.
In the broader context, ANEMEL’s work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The project brings together researchers from nine organisations across Europe, each contributing their unique expertise. This collaborative approach is crucial for tackling complex challenges like green hydrogen production, which require a diverse range of skills and perspectives.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, projects like ANEMEL offer a beacon of hope. They demonstrate that, with innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, it’s possible to create a more sustainable future. The journey to net-zero is fraught with challenges, but initiatives like ANEMEL are proving that it’s a journey worth taking. The sector is watching, and the potential for disruption is immense. The question is not if green hydrogen will play a significant role in our energy future, but how quickly and effectively we can make that future a reality.
