Horizon AEM Electrolyser Achieves 95% Efficiency.
Green hydrogen costs need to drop significantly for the global community to meet decarbonization goals, which are best achieved when green hydrogen competes economically with fossil fuel alternatives. AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) electrolysis stands out as a highly promising technology due to strong dynamic response capabilities, much lower equipment costs and higher efficiencies, compared to alternatives.
Energy consumption of 42kWh for each kilogram of hydrogen produced is now within reach.
AEM electrolysers are known to reach very high efficiency operating at low voltage. However, such operating conditions were not well suited to mass deployment due to instability and low current density (hence output). Through a combination of several innovations, Horizon Fuel Cell’s scientists are operating AEM electrolysers at 0.35A/cm2 at 1.56V/cell, with stable performance under lab conditions. This current density is similar to commercial alkaline electrolysers, however 20% higher efficiency is achieved with dramatically lower operating voltage.
Among the innovations, Horizon invented a novel electrode structure (patent pending) with high surface area and excellent stability. Horizon also eliminates iridium and titanium from stack designs, and relies upon low cost, earth-abundant materials. The new Horizon AEM platform can be produced in large scale to meet the global energy transition, with Horizon’s existing volume production equipment readily adapted for AEM electrolysers.
Although some additional validation work remains prior to launch, recent progress demonstrates the potential of AEM electrolysers to reach the widely sought green hydrogen production target of $1/kg from renewable electricity. Horizon AEM electrolysers substantially outperform the best PEM electrolysers on efficiency, with a price point in line with traditional alkaline electrolysers.
Horizon aims to launch the new MW-scale high efficiency AEM electrolysers around the end of 2024.
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Horizon AEM Electrolyser Achieves 95% Efficiency. source
