Transforming Green Hydrogen: A European Approach to Overcoming Cost and Environmental Barriers

Green hydrogen represents a significant beacon of hope in the global quest for clean and sustainable energy solutions. However, the journey to mainstream adoption has been fraught with obstacles—primarily, the high production costs and the reliance on environmentally harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), colloquially known as “forever chemicals.” Addressing these challenges is the European initiative, SUPREME, which is set to redefine green hydrogen production through innovation and international cooperation.

Reinventing the Green Hydrogen Production Process

Currently, the production of green hydrogen is heavily dependent on proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, a method that holds promise for synergy with intermittent energy sources like solar and wind. However, this process remains costlier than hydrogen from fossil origins and leans on PFAS, substances under scrutiny for their environmental and health implications, prompting the European Union to plan their elimination.

The SUPREME project, steered by the University of Southern Denmark and other European collaborators, seeks to pioneer an eco-friendly and economically viable alternative. Over a projected three-year timeline, researchers aim to craft a PFAS-free electrolysis system. A significant focus is on dramatically reducing the dependence on iridium, a scarce and expensive metal, thus making green hydrogen more competitive and viable for various applications, from industrial to storage solutions.

Pioneering PFAS-Free Materials and Advanced Membranes

In pursuit of a cleaner production methodology, the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) is at the forefront of identifying viable PFAS-free materials. These innovations undergo stringent evaluations to ensure resilience and efficiency in demanding industrial contexts.

Simultaneously, Turkey’s Scientific and Technological Research Council TÜBITAK is leading the charge in developing cutting-edge microporous PFAS-free membranes. These advancements aim to pave the way for safer and more sustainable electrolysis technologies.

Reducing Iridium Use and Enhancing Recycling

A critical component of the SUPREME project is the significant reduction in the use of iridium, whose cost and scarcity pose hurdles for PEM electrolysis. In collaboration with Ceimig, a UK-based catalyst specialist, the University of Southern Denmark is developing techniques to cut iridium usage by up to 75% and to enhance recycling processes, allowing for a recovery rate as high as 90% of the iridium deployed.

Key partners like Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE and Norway’s Element One Energy AS contribute essential expertise, producing vital membrane electrode units and innovating advanced rotating electrolysers to boost overall system efficiencies. This concerted European effort is supported by the European Commission’s Clean Energy Transition Partnership.

Key Takeaways

The SUPREME initiative offers a promising path forward in tackling the predominant challenges faced by the green hydrogen sector. By eliminating the need for hazardous PFAS and reducing production costs through strategic material innovation, the project aims to position green hydrogen as a robust, competitive alternative in the energy market. By potentially surmounting these barriers, SUPREME could significantly accelerate the global shift towards clean energy, offering substantial benefits for industrial applications and breaking new ground in sustainable energy storage. Together, through scientific collaboration across Europe, green hydrogen could emerge as a cornerstone of a cleaner, brighter future.