Minimising the levelised cost of production is critical if power-to-X and electrochemical processes are to compete with traditional, often fossil-based ways of making base chemicals.
For hydrogen production, conventional thinking suggests that bigger electrolysers lead to lower costs, but our analysis shows why this isn’t necessarily true for newer, membrane based electrolyser technologies.
PEM (proton exchange membrane) and AEM (anion exchange membrane) electrolysers have unique efficiency and cost dynamics that could make smaller cell architectures more cost-effective, even at utility scale.
In this whitepaper, we undertake an in-depth examination of how system architecture impacts the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for different techologies, old and new. Using a techno-economic model, we compare PEM, AEM, and AWE (alkaline water electrolysis) electrolysers, shedding light on why smaller cells can lead to greater efficiency and lower overall costs.
Download the whitepaper to learn:
- Why membrane-based electrolysers can be more efficient at smaller scales
- How capital cost and energy efficiency factor into the levelized cost of hydrogen
- What developers and investors should consider when evaluating cell and stack sizes
- How lessons from the solar and battery industries can inform electrolyser technology development
Explore why bigger isn’t always better when it comes to electrolysers and how embracing smaller, smarter architectures could be the key to optimizing hydrogen production at scale.
