

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.
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
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.
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
At the end of the project this line will have a prototype to generate green hydrogen by means of AEM electrolysis
At the end of the project this line will have a prototype to generate green hydrogen by means of PEM electrolysis
At the end of the project this line will have at least one thermochemical cycle generation prototype
15 indexed scientific journals
2 supervised
theses
14 journals at conferences
Exploitation and dissemination
Research and development
AEM electrolyser
Research and development
PEM electrolyser
Development of innovative thermochemical cycles to generate green hydrogen
Research on the integration of hydrogen generation technology in industrial processes
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).
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