TECNALIA Develops a Pioneering Electrolyzer to Test Technologies for Hydrogen Production.
Designed entirely by the technological research and development center, this prototype is a hybrid experimental bench to test the components of an electrolyzer and will also be capable of producing green hydrogen from its facilities in Donostia-San Sebastián.
June 3, 2025. The TECNALIA research and development center has developed a novel electrolyzer capable of testing different hydrogen production technologies. This experimental bench allows companies to test the different components of an electrolyzer, primarily its core or stack . It operates at a power of approximately 50 kW and has a hydrogen production capacity of around 1 kg/h.
- With its launch, TECNALIA is now launching testing and demonstrations with national and international companies at its facilities.
- The electrolyzer is located in the laboratory dedicated to the development of technologies for the generation, storage, transport, distribution, uses, and safety of hydrogen that TECNALIA launched last year at its facilities in Donostia-San Sebastián, where more than 50 projects are currently being carried out for the research and validation of hydrogen technologies, as well as their scaling to accelerate their industrialization.
- Of the four technologies capable of developing green hydrogen, this test bench is capable of performing tests with two different technologies: alkaline and AEM. Designed entirely by TECNALIA, this prototype will be able to test the electrolyzer stack and simultaneously perform a balance of plant components under different operating conditions . It also includes advanced tools for monitoring key process parameters.
In the words of Ekain Fernández, Head of Hydrogen Technology at TECNALIA, “ We work together with companies to achieve competitive production of green hydrogen. To this end, we research and develop innovative electrolysis technologies with the aim of reducing the cost of hydrogen; and we also support companies with electrolyzer testing and modeling for their implementation in industry. The development of this new electrolyzer is a major step in our commitment to contributing to the development of the hydrogen economy .”
While the prototype has been flexibly designed to perform Alkaline and AEM technology tests, TECNALIA has the capacity to develop prototypes for other technologies such as PEM.
More than 80 hydrogen projects in five years
In the last five years alone, TECNALIA has participated in more than 80 hydrogen projects in various areas: generation, distribution, transportation, storage, uses, and safety.
It currently works on the design, development, and operation of electrolyzer prototypes for companies and has more than 70 researchers specializing in hydrogen-related projects.
Its manufacturing and testing expertise thus contributes to the development of advanced models for electrolyzers and hydrogen systems. The goal of these models is to optimize the sizing of hydrogen plants and hydrogen refueling stations, while ensuring cost-effectiveness and safety standards.
Along these lines, the HYNNOVA initiative stands out, aiming to develop advanced technological solutions for the modular design and efficient management of large-scale renewable hydrogen production plants. Led by BOSLAN, the project involves the collaboration of 12 companies, and TECNALIA is responsible for testing the electrolyzer stack, improving the competitiveness of renewable hydrogen by reducing its levelized cost. The project is supported by the Basque Government through its Hazitek program.
TECNALIA Develops Pioneering Electrolyzer for Hydrogen Testing