Hydrogen is a key element in the decarbonisation of large industrial sectors such as the steel and chemical industries and heavy goods transport. Current production methods will not be able to meet the rapidly growing demand, which is expected to rise to 175 million tonnes worldwide by 2030.
The EU-funded PEPPER (Performant and Efficient Planar Proton-conducting Electrolysis Reactor) project is developing a new class of advanced electrolysis technology to make the production of green hydrogen more efficient, cost-effective and scalable.
What innovation does PEPPER bring to electrolysis?
As part of PEPPER, planar proton-conducting ceramic electrolysis cells (PCCELs) are being developed that operate at 600°C, a temperature that enables integration with industrial waste heat. Compared to conventional liquid water electrolysis technologies, power consumption is reduced by up to 20%, significantly increasing energy efficiency. The unique planar cell design enables high performance, compact design, minimises the use of raw materials, including critical materials such as rare earth metals, and lowers operating costs.
Tasks of the Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics
Our institute is coordinating the project and making a significant contribution to the technological development. A central field of work is the development of the PCCEL stack, a new type of cell architecture for electrochemical applications.
We are also working on the creation of a three-dimensional numerical model to simulate and analyse the cell processes in detail. We are also actively supporting the further development of the PCC cell, contributing our extensive expertise in the fields of materials science, simulation and system integration.
Aims and effects of PEPPER
Technology for scaling Development of two robust planar cell technologies that produce PCC cells with a size of up to 100 cm².
Performance validation Testing and optimising PCCELs under different operating conditions to ensure long-term durability and efficiency.
Systemintegration Development of special short stacks customised for PCCEL operation that enable industrial use.
Benchmarking & sustainability Carrying out comparative studies with solid oxide electrolysis (SOEL), supported by comprehensive life cycle analyses (LCA) to assess the environmental and economic benefits.
Acceleration of commercialisation Advancing technological readiness from TRL 2 to TRL 4 in order to create the basis for rapid industrial utilisation.
By setting new performance benchmarks and a roadmap for large-scale deployment, PEPPER strengthens European leadership in hydrogen technology and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
PEPPER at a glance
Project
PEPPER (Performant and Efficient Planar Proton-conducting Electrolysis Reactor)
