ACTIVITIES AND OUTCOMES
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PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The H2BASQUE project aims to develop innovative technology (and key components) to generate green hydrogen at a competitive cost, as it is a key energy vector to decarbonise the economy.
1. The H2BASQUE project will develop the following innovative technologies: AEM electrolysis, PEM electrolysis and generation by means of thermochemical cycles.
2. Upon its completion, the H2BASQUE project will have developed three laboratory-scale prototypes to generate green hydrogen based on the aforementioned technologies.
3. This project also aims to improve the scientific, technological and commercial position of the Basque Science and Technology Network and of Basque companies in the hydrogen sector in general, and in green hydrogen generation technology in particular.
TECHNOLOGICAL SCOPE
PEM AND AEM TECHNOLOGIES WILL BE USED IN THE ELECTROLYSIS, WHILE IN THE THERMOCHEMICAL CYCLES, 3 ECONOMICALLY VIABLE CYCLES WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR THE GENERATION OF GREEN HYDROGEN IN A TEMPERATURE RANGE LESS THAN 500°C.
There are currently two main electrolysis technologies for low-temperature hydrogen production (60-80 ºC): alkaline electrolysis and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis.
Alkaline electrolysis
Well-established technology developed in industry, with low investment costs.PEM electrolysis systems
Higher efficiency, higher current density (more hydrogen produced per equipment volume) and with the possibility of generating purer and higher-pressure H2 than with alkaline systems. The cost, however, is much higher than that of alkaline technology, as precious metal catalysts are used.Alkaline AEM electrolysis
It combines some of the elements of both processes and has all their advantages, thus cutting manufacturing and operating costs.-
H2BASQUE will work with both PEM and AEM technologies
Alkaline
Anode: 4OH- ←→ 2H2O + O2 + 4e-
Cathode: 4H2O + 4e- ←→ 2H2 + 4OH-
Proton Exchange Membrane
Anode: 2H2O ←→ O2 + 4H+ + 4e-
Cathode: 4H+ + 4e- ←→ 2H2
Anion Exchange Membrane
Anode: 4OH- ←→ 2H2O + O2 + 4e-
Cathode: 4H2O + 4e- ←→ 2H2 + 4OH-
Thermochemical cycles produce H2 by using heat sources (solar, residual heat) to activate endothermal chemical reactions in order to split water into its hydrogen and oxygen components, and to regenerate the starting reactants in the reverse cycle. Heat is, therefore, the only element required to complete the cycle.
Cycles inorganic
They work at a very high temperature (around 1,000 ºC).Cycles organic
Over the past few years, cycles based on organic compounds have been researched: they operate at lower temperatures, so they are highly interesting candidates. There is still room for improvement if the aim is for them to be financially viable on an industrial scale: maximise hydrogen production and improve material reversibility.-
H2BASQUE will work on the development of three cost-effective thermochemical cycles to generate green hydrogen at the lowest temperature range possible (< 500 ºC)
Thermochemical cycles to generate hydrogen based on metal oxides
Renewable Concentrated Solar Energy
Oxygen Releasing Step Endothermic
CLOSED
CYCLE
Pure Oxygen Recovery
Clean energy carrier for heat and electricity generation
Fuell cells (PEMCF, SOFC)
Hydrogen Generation Step Exothermic
EXPECTED RESULTS
AEM electrolysis
- Development of alkaline-stable anion exchange membranes.
- Development of catalysts for electrodes.
- Development and characterisation of MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) with the best membranes and electrodes that are developed.
- Definition and fine-tuning of techniques to characterise individual components (membrane, electrode) and also MEA.
At the end of the project this line will have a prototype to generate green hydrogen by means of AEM electrolysis
PEM electrolysis
- Development of membranes with high proton conductivity, and chemical, mechanical and thermal stability.
- Development of catalysts for electrodes with a low critical material content such as iridium and ruthenium oxides, and platinum.
- Development and characterisation of MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) with the best membranes and electrodes that are developed.
- Development of bipolar plates.
- Definition and fine-tuning of techniques to characterise individual components (membrane, electrode, bipolar plate) and also MEA.
At the end of the project this line will have a prototype to generate green hydrogen by means of PEM electrolysis
Thermochemical cycles
- Development of an inorganic thermochemical cycle based on iron carbonate.
- Development of an inorganic thermochemical cycle based on MnFe2O4 spinel.
- Development of an organic thermochemical cycle based on silanes.
- Study of thermochemical cycles in tailor-made reactors.
- Conceptual development of the process on an industrial scale.
At the end of the project this line will have at least one thermochemical cycle generation prototype
Results expected from the project
15 indexed scientific journals
2 supervised
theses
14 journals at conferences
Activities
Activity 1. Project coordination and management
Activity 6.
Exploitation and dissemination
Activity 2.
Research and development
AEM electrolyser
Activity 3.
Research and development
PEM electrolyser
Activity 4.
Development of innovative thermochemical cycles to generate green hydrogen
Activity 5.
Research on the integration of hydrogen generation technology in industrial processes
THE CONSORTIUM
TECNALIA will be coordinating the project, and will also lead the research and development of the AEM electrolyser. Another seven members of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network will also be taking part: CIC energiGUNE, CIDETEC, BASQUE ENERGY CLUSTER, PETRONOR INNOVACIÓN, TEKNIKER, TUBACEX INNOVACIÓN AIE, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY (UPV/EHU).