New Energies, new possibilities

Megawatt-Class PEM Electrolyzer-BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2 of BriHyNergy Achieves Successful Operation

On December 29, 2024, BriHyNergy (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.  (hereinafter referred to as ” BriHyNergy “) successfully put into operation its new generation megawatt-scale electrolyzer, BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2. This marks a significant upgrade from the BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 1, which was unveiled at the Foshan Hydrogen Energy Exhibition on November 7, 2023.

The 200standard cubic meters PEM electrolyzer independently researched and developed by BriHyNergy has a rated hydrogen production capacity of 200 standard cubic meters/hour in a single tank. The electrolyzer can operate stably within a wide power input range of 5%-125% to directly produce 3.5MPa high-pressure hydrogen, realizing minute-level start-stop and second-level dynamic response, which is highly adapted to the fluctuating nature of wind power, and is suitable for large-scale PEM electrolysis of water for hydrogen production.

The BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2 employs a flexible and scalable automated PEM electrolyzer stacking platform (R Platform), capable of expanding unit hydrogen production capacity of 600 standard cubic meters per hour. Thanks to the application of BriPEM® dual-enhanced proton exchange membranes, multi-level self-sealing technology, highly consistent stacking process, and other technological innovations and process optimizations, the BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2 achieves a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to the first-generation electrolyzer. At a current density of 2.5 A/cm², the rated energy consumption reaches 4.2 kWh/Nm³ H₂. Additionally, the BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2 can stably produce hydrogen at a pressure of 3-4 MPa and withstand a peak pressure drop of up to 5 MPa, representing an improvement of over 40% compared to the industry average. By directly producing high-pressure hydrogen through the BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2 electrolyzer, saving the cost of downstream hydrogen compression, which leads to an overall reduction in the investment cost of hydrogen storage and transportation.

The fully independently developed and produced BriPEM® dual-enhanced proton exchange membranes plays a key role in the successful operation of BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2. The BriPEM® dual-enhanced PEM employ perfluorosulfonic acid resin as the solid electrolyte, offering excellent chemical stability and high proton conductivity. On the physical reinforcement level, the addition of a high-strength polymer reinforcement layer enhances the compressive strength of the membrane, improving its mechanical strength and dimensional stability. Simultaneously, on the chemical level, BriHyNergy ‘s proprietary dehydrogenation technology significantly reduces the hydrogen content in oxygen, ensuring the safety of the electrolyzer. Moreover, the unique scavenger employed can mitigate membrane aging, extending its service life. As core materials and components in PEM water electrolysis, proton exchange membranes and membrane electrode assemblies have high technical barriers, not only determining the performance of PEM electrolyzers but also influencing their cost. As the first domestically mass-produced dual-enhanced proton exchange membrane, BriPEM® dual-enhanced proton exchange membranes already commenced mass production and delivery in 2023, aiming to address the “bottleneck” issue of domestic supply of core materials for PEM water electrolysis.  

BriHyNergy’s BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2 has recently successfully obtained the EU CE certification. This certification marks both the recognition of BriHyNergy’s technological prowess and an authoritative endorsement of its product quality and safety. Renowned for its stringent standards and comprehensive testing procedures, the EU CE certification signifies that BriHyNergy’s MW-class PEM electrolyzer has reached international advanced levels in terms of design, manufacturing, performance, safety, and reliability. The acquisition of this CE “passport” for the European market has significantly enhanced the competitive advantage of BriHyNergy’s large-scale PEM electrolyzers in the global market, enabling the company to provide customers with more efficient, safer, and more reliable PEM hydrogen production products.

BriHyNergy is committed to developing PEM electrolyzers with higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, and greater reliability and durability in the future and will aim to accelerate the global adoption of green hydrogen technology and contribute to building a greener and cleaner world.

Megawatt-Class PEM Electrolyzer-BriLyzer®-R200 Gen 2 of BriHyNergy Achieves Successful Operation - Hydrogen Central

Sinopec has completed China’s first factory-based seawater hydrogen production research project at its Qingdao Refinery. The project integrates direct seawater electrolysis with renewable energy-powered green hydrogen production, achieving an hourly output of 20 cubic meters of green hydrogen.

This innovative approach not only offers a new solution for coastal regions to utilize renewable energy for green hydrogen production but also provides an alternative pathway for the utilization of high-salinity industrial wastewater.

The project adopts a factory-based operation model, leveraging a portion of the green electricity generated by Qingdao Refinery’s floating photovoltaic power station. Through electrolysis, seawater is split into hydrogen and oxygen, with the produced hydrogen seamlessly integrated into the Qingdao Refinery’s pipeline network for use in refining processes or hydrogen-powered vehicles. The entire production process occurs within a factory setting, ensuring efficiency and operational stability.

Seawater hydrogen production holds significant potential. By directly converting seawater into hydrogen, renewable energy can be transformed into green hydrogen, which is relatively easier to store and utilize. Moreover, this process conserves precious freshwater resources, offering a new pathway for the development of the hydrogen energy industry.

Despite its advantages, seawater hydrogen production comes with challenges. Seawater contains approximately 3% salt, and impurities, such as chloride ions, can corrode electrolytic electrodes, while cationic deposits may clog equipment channels, reducing efficiency and causing damage. Sinopec Qingdao Refinery, in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, has successfully overcome these challenges through a series of specialized equipment innovations and unique process designs, including chlorine-resistant electrode technology, high-performance electrode plate design, and a seawater circulation system. These advancements enable seamless integration of research findings into practical applications.

 Source:  Hydrogentechworld

ETFuels has selected John Cockerill and Johnson Matthey as key strategic partners for its e-methanol project in Texas.

John Cockerill will provide 210 MW of its pressurised alkaline electrolyser units, along with technical services as the foundation for the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase for the green hydrogen facility to be constructed in Texas. This project will benefit from John Cockerill’s local manufacturing and support capabilities, as the Group has invested in a gigafactory in Texas to develop and produce its electrolysers in the USA.

Johnson Matthey will supply its eMERALD e-methanol technology, along with the eMERALD methanol synthesis catalyst, for ETFuels’ first U.S. project. This technology also forms the basis of the FEED phase for the fully integrated e-methanol facility.

By 2029, ETFuels will produce 120,000 tons of e-methanol annually from co-located 500-MW high-capacity renewable energy sources together with biogenic CO₂ at this state-of-the-art plant. The plant will span an impressive 22,000 acres in Texas and will pave the way for development of ETFuels’ broader portfolio of sites across Texas, Spain, and Finland. The Financial Investment Decision for the first project is expected in 2026, with construction scheduled to start by 2027. The project is expected to create approximately 500 construction jobs, with more than 50 permanent operating roles upon completion. Total investment is expected to be over a billion dollars.

Ultra-low-carbon e-methanol for decarbonisation of heavy industry

ETFuels’ ultra-low-carbon-intensity e-methanol unlocks multiple pathways for industrial decarbonisation, including the production of e-SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) through methanol-to-jet technology, as well as numerous chemical applications. With FuelEU regulation incentivizing early adoption of e-fuels, particularly for shipping, ETFuels’ e-methanol, with emissions as low as 8.7 gCO₂e/MJ, offers a compelling solution, delivering a 91% reduction in CO₂e relative to conventional fuel, according to the company. This enables shipping companies to reduce compliance costs by half, trade credits, and deliver green transportation services to end customers. E-methanol from the plant is expected to result in the avoidance of approximately 200,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year, equivalent to planting a forest the size of 13,000 football fields.

Nicolas de Coignac, Group Executive Vice President and President Hydrogen and Americas at John Cockerill, said: “Backed by long-standing expertise in the field, worldwide references on large-scale projects, and global presence, our Group, which has been active in the energy sector in the United States since 1840, is delighted to join forces with strong partners such as ETFuels for this first major green hydrogen project in America. The scalability of ETFuels’ model makes them a strong partner to accelerate towards robust large-scale green hydrogen projects. We are delighted to work with the team on bringing their first Texas-based project to fruition from the start of the journey.”

Alberto Giovanzana, Managing Director of CT Licensing at Johnson Matthey, commented: “E-Methanol is fast emerging as a key gamechanger for decarbonizing the global shipping industry in the years ahead. It’s a heavy industry with a large footprint, and lower-carbon fuels will be vital in reducing its impact. We’re delighted to combine Johnson Matthey’s long-held expertise in e-methanol technology with the scale of ambition that ETFuels is bringing to the table.”

Lara Naqushbandi, CEO of ETFuels, added: “With stringent FuelEU regulation in place and increasing demands for genuine supply-chain decarbonisation, we see a strong business case for scalable, low-cost, ultra-low emission fuels, particularly for early-adopter customers who can benefit both economically and reputationally. To that end, we are really excited to partner with John Cockerill and Johnson Matthey – world-leaders in hydrogen and methanol technologies – as part of the ETFuels integrated project team, to bring these fuels to market at scale. Johnson Matthey brings world-class technology, extensive e-methanol operating experience, and exceptional engineering expertise. John Cockerill provides proven technology and industrial services experience to help the long-term performance of the plant.”

Source: Hydrogentechworld

2024 was a year where we witnessed great stories that make us very confident about the bright future lying ahead for the hydrogen industry, Hydrogen Central brings you the most read news from each month of 2024. Enjoy and all the best for 2025.

January 2024 – BMW says Goodbye to Electric Cars; it has now Solved the Problem of Hydrogen Engines – MES

February 2024 – How Hydrogen Combustion Engines Will Challenge The EV Market At Its Core – TopSpeed

 

March 2024 – Green Hydrogen Will Become The 21st Century Version Of Oil – Forbes

April 2024 – Ferrari patents hydrogen powered engine – Motor Authority

May 2024 – “40 percent market share” – car giant wants to build 100,000 hydrogen vehicles per year

June 2024 – This hydrogen engine from Kia and Hyundai heralds a new dawn in automotive – Everything will change – Lagrada

July 2024 – Tesla CEO Elon Musk Slams The Use Of Hydrogen For Cars, Terms It ‘Silly’ As Toyota Gears To Promote Its Fuel Cell Vehicle Mirai At Paris Olympics

August 2024 – Plug Power Names Amazon Executive as its New COO

September 2024 – Nikola Corporation Awarded Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

October 2024 – Norges Bank’s Strategic Acquisition of Plug Power Inc Shares

November 2024 – Bill Gates $645 million fuel cell superyacht has finally completed its extensive sea trials – Powered by liquid hydrogen stored at a bone-chilling -423°F, the mammoth vessel features an underwater lounge, a hospital, and a 29-foot contraflow pool

December 2024 – Model suggests Earth’s subsurface may hold up to 5.6 × 10⁶ million metric tons of natural hydrogen

We thank you for staying up to date with the hydrogen industry at Hydrogen Central and wish you a very prosperous 2025.

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