Scaling‐up PEM Electrolysis Production: Challenges and Perspectives

• Published in: Chemie ingenieur technik Vol. 96; no. 1-2; pp. 22 - 29
• Main Authors: Locci, Carlo, Mertens, Mara, Höyng, Stefan, Schmid, Günter, Bagus, Thomas, Lettenmeier, Philipp
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-01-2024
• Subjects: Electrolysis; Giga‐factory; Proton exchange membrane
• ISSN: 0009-286X; 1522-2640
• DOI: 10.1002/cite.202300111

Electrolysis is fundamental to meet the Paris agreement targets, as it serves as an energy storage technology, with hydrogen being a major energy vector to decarbonize the industry sector. In particular, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is well suited for coupling with renewables such as wind turbines and PV. The worldwide objectives for hydrogen ramping up are very ambitious and can only be satisfied with rapid and efficient production. This paper describes how the giga‐factory from Siemens Energy installed in Berlin will play a significant role in satisfying the rising demand of PEM stacks for the company. In addition, challenges such as catalytic material shortage and the need for industrial eco‐systems are discussed.
The importance of hydrogen in decarbonization and PEM technology is described and importance of ramping up and an example of the giga‐factory that will start operating end of 2023 are highlighted. Finally, the challenges related to ramping up, namely the iridium potential shortage as well the need for hydrogen industrial eco‐systems, are discussed.