Key Technologies for Cost Reduction
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Advanced Electrolyser Technologies:
- Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Electrolysers: Innovative AEM technologies are promising because they can potentially reduce costs compared to traditional systems like Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers.
- Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Improvements: PEM electrolysers are favored for their compatibility with renewable energy sources due to their ability to ramp up and down quickly. However, they are more expensive than alkaline ones. Efforts to improve component efficiency and supply chain management are ongoing.
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Scaling Up Electrolysis Stacks:
Increasing the base size of electrolysis stacks can significantly reduce costs. The stack constitutes a large portion (40-50%) of the total system costs. Scaling up these components can lead to economies of scale. -
Integration with Renewable Energy and Energy Storage:
Combining renewable energy sources with electrolysis requires stable energy input. Integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) can help stabilize the power supply to electrolysers, improving overall efficiency. -
Improved Materials and Manufacturing:
Developing novel ion-exchange membranes and improving manufacturing processes can lead to more cost-effective electrolyser components. -
Increased Deployment and Learning Curve Effects:
As more electrolysers are deployed and production is scaled up, costs decrease due to learning curve effects, where efficiencies and economies of scale reduce costs per unit over time.
Future Outlook
Costs can be significantly reduced by combining these technological advancements with cheaper renewable electricity. In the best-case scenarios, green hydrogen can become competitive with other forms of hydrogen by around 2030, especially if low-cost electricity (e.g., around USD 20 per MWh) becomes more widely available.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-technologies-are-being-developed-to-lower-the-cost-of-green-hydrogen/
