New Energies, new possibilities

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, direct seawater electrolysis emerges as a promising technology that could redefine hydrogen production. Unlike traditional methods that couple electrolysis with a desalination process, direct seawater electrolysis offers an energy-efficient alternative, promising to revolutionize the industry.

Among various electrolysers, the Alkaline Water electrolyser (AWE) stands out for its cost-effectiveness and longevity, making it a preferred choice for seawater electrolysis. However, AWE's slow response rate poses challenges for on-site applications that rely on intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power. To address these limitations, Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) and Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEMWE) technologies have been developed. These systems are not only compact but also efficient in reducing work voltage, thus saving energy. Nonetheless, PEMWE faces challenges related to high costs, membrane degradation, and reduced conductivity under alkaline conditions.

Interestingly, AEMWE presents a viable solution to the drawbacks of PEMWE, although it operates at a higher voltage under the same current density conditions due to the double layers of its ion exchange membrane. Furthermore, integrating electrolysis with membrane-based in situ desalination, particularly using a PTFE-based membrane, showcases remarkable stability and performance over extended periods.

Despite the advancements, the field of seawater electrolysis continues to encounter significant challenges. The development of electrode materials and electrolyser designs necessitates ongoing innovation to address the complexities of this technology. Future perspectives include:

Integration with Renewable Energy

Tailoring seawater electrolysis systems to seamlessly integrate with renewable energy sources could pave the way for autonomous green hydrogen production platforms. These systems would exploit the vast availability of seawater and renewable energy, especially in offshore or remote coastal settings.

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/ee/d1ee00870f

Advanced Electrolyser Designs

There is a continuous effort to develop electrolysers that are more efficient and durable. This involves optimizing electrode materials to resist seawater's corrosive effects and advancing membrane technologies to effectively manage the intricate chemistry of seawater electrolysis.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05379-5

Catalytic Efficiency

Enhancing the efficiency of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) is a key focus. Research is exploring non-noble metal catalysts and innovative alloys that offer cost-effective and durable alternatives.

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/ta/d0ta08709b/unauth

Selective Ion Separation

Advances in selective ion membranes or separators aim to mitigate the formation of harmful byproducts, such as chlorine, thereby enhancing the process's viability for large-scale hydrogen production.

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/ta/d0ta08543j

Scale-up Challenges

Addressing the efficiency and stability issues associated with scaling up seawater electrolysis to meet commercial and industrial demands remains a significant challenge.

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/nr/d1nr00784j

Environmental and Economic Viability

Ensuring the environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness of hydrogen production through seawater electrolysis requires comprehensive life cycle assessments and cost analyses.

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/22/8560

Regulatory and Safety Standards

As the technology progresses, establishing regulatory and safety standards will be crucial for the safe operation and maintenance of large-scale seawater electrolysis plants, especially in off-grid environments.

https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/electrochemical/article-abstract/21/4/044001/1193783/Critical-Review-of-Hydrogen-Production-via?redirectedFrom=fulltext

In conclusion, while seawater electrolysis has achieved notable progress, the path forward demands relentless innovation and collaboration. Overcoming current challenges will not only enhance the technology's efficiency and sustainability but also its role in the global transition to green energy.

In the forthcoming articles, we will delve into "the future of seawater electrolysis", exploring the expansive potential and the technological advancements that could shape the landscape of green hydrogen production. I invite you to engage in this exploration with me, to discuss and debate the intricacies and possibilities of seawater electrolysis. Whether you're steeped in the subject or new to the concept, your insights and inquiries are welcome as we navigate the promising horizon of integrating seawater electrolysis systems with renewable energy sources.

This journey promises to be one of discovery, challenge, and innovation, aimed at harnessing the vast availability of seawater and renewable energy, particularly in offshore or remote coastal settings, to pave the way for autonomous green hydrogen production platforms.

Dr Mayilvelnathan Vivekananthan M.Eng.,PhD

Director, Cipher Neutron Inc

mayilv@cipherneutron.com

www.cipherneutron.com

On May 29, 2025, the 2025 International Hydrogen Energy Innovation Pioneer Competition and International Hydrogen Energy Innovation Project Roadshow and Matching Conference was successfully held in Beijing. This event was guided by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, the Zhongguancun Science City Management Committee, the Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center (Beijing, HongKong, Macao and Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Center), and the Beijing Tsinghua Industrial Development Research Institute, and is hosted by the International Hydrogen Energy Center. Jointly organized by Beijing Zhongguancun Science City Science and Technology Innovation Service Co., Ltd. and China Beijing (Haidian) Overseas Students' Entrepreneurship Park; Co-organized by the China Headquarters of Staibai Technology Management and the Staibai International Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Energy.

The competition brought together 22 outstanding innovative project teams from multiple countries and regions including China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. Review experts and guests from universities, industries, and over 20 investment institutions were present at the scene for exchanges and connections.

Leng Shaolin, Director of the Materials and Green Energy Industry Division of the Beijing Municipal Economic and Information Technology Commission, Meng Qingwen, Director of the Fifth Industry Promotion Division of the Zhongguancun Science City Management Committee, and Tang Jie, President of the Beijing Tsinghua Industrial Development Research Institute, delivered speeches at the event.

This event features two major sessions: "New Energy Materials" and "New Energy Equipment". Among them, the "New Energy Materials" session focuses on innovative materials such as high-performance carbon fibers, anion exchange membranes, ultra-high density hydrogen storage, green chemical catalysts, and palladium composite membranes. The "New Energy Equipment" special session covered innovative equipment such as IGBT hydrogen production power supplies, industrial-scale hydrogen production equipment, electrochemical ammonia synthesis devices, German hydrogen-powered aircraft, and hydrogen-powered heavy trucks, comprehensively showcasing the technological innovation breakthroughs in the entire industrial chain of the global new energy and new materials field. 

Liu Feng, the CEO of Changzhou Aemhy Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., LTD., (AEMHY) made a project report titled "Research and Industrialization of the New Generation of Electrolytic Water Hydrogen Production Technology", introducing the development history, entrepreneurial team, research and development progress, and market expansion of AEMHY. As a "shining new star" in AEM electrolyzer manufature, AEMHY has attracted seed round investment from leading local enterprises in Changzhou and Changzhou state-owned capital funds. So far, it has provided products and services to more than ten AEM electrolyzer customers, demonstrating AEMHY's outstanding product strength and market promotion capabilities.

After a full day of intense competition, the review experts, composed of university professors, industry experts, and representatives of investment institutions, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the project from multiple dimensions such as technological innovation, market prospects, team capabilities, financial indicators, internationalization and gender equality, and on-site performance. AEMHY stood out and won the "International Hydrogen Energy Future Star Award".

원전 수소·기후에너지부 신설로 보는, 새 정부 에너지 정책 < 정책 < NEWS < 기사본문 - 월간수소경제

Simply bubbling CO2 gas through acid shows a 50-fold improvement in reaction duration, researchers find

The demonstration project is the first to validate 50%* hydrogen fuel blending on an advanced class gas turbine, and the largest test of this kind in the world to date, with the 50% blend providing an approximately 22% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 100% natural gas. Several tests were conducted prior to the 50% blend demonstration including multiple blend percentages that ranged from 5% to 50%, and testing occurred across several weeks in May and June.

Last year, the existing gas turbine was converted from steam-cooled to air-cooled, which includes J series combustion technology with proven high hydrogen co-firing capability. The conversion provides the benefits of faster startup times, increased turn down capability and decreased maintenance expenses, while also supporting the ability for this successful landmark hydrogen blend testing.

Georgia Power, the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Co., collaborated with Mitsubishi Power for the landmark testing as part of a continued commitment to new research and development (R&D) to advance reliable and affordable energy for customers, while reducing carbon emissions across its generation fleet. In fact, Georgia Power has reduced its carbon emissions by more than 60% since 2007. This test follows the first 20% by volume hydrogen blending test at Plant McDonough-Atkinson completed in 2022.

The Plant McDonough-Atkinson facility, located less than 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, has served electric customers for more than 80 years and was fully converted to natural gas in 2012 and expanded to power up to 1.7 million homes. It currently operates with six advanced, large-capacity M501G and M501GAC series gas turbines, which deliver high performance and high efficiency, as well as three steam turbines running in three blocks of 2-on-1 combined-cycle configuration and two gas/oil fueled combustion turbines.

"Natural gas serves a critical role in our generation mix, providing flexibility, baseload power and quick response to customer demand, and will continue to be an important fuel as we plan to meet the energy needs of a growing Georgia through a diverse portfolio of generation resources,” said Rick Anderson, senior vice president and senior production officer for Georgia Power. “At Georgia Power, innovative testing such as this is just one way we help ensure we can deliver reliable and affordable energy for customers for decades into the future, and reduce our overall emissions. Investments we’re making in our fleet and power grid today will benefit future generations, and I’m very proud of the team at Plant McDonough-Atkinson and Mitsubishi Power for their dedication to this project and safely completing this test.”

Mitsubishi Power completed the hydrogen blending on one M501GAC gas turbine unit, with an approximate one-on-one output of 283 MW. Mitsubishi Power provided full turnkey service for this project including engineering, planning, hydrogen blending hardware, controls, commissioning and risk management. Mitsubishi Power partnered with Certarus to source and manage the hydrogen supply and logistics.

"It has been a privilege to partner with Georgia Power on this landmark project.,” said Mark Bissonnette, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Power Generation at Mitsubishi Power Americas. “Building on the success of our earlier tests, we have achieved a 50% hydrogen blend in an advanced-class gas turbine, showcasing the capabilities of our state-of-the-art technology. This is a significant milestone for both companies to help Georgia Power reduce carbon emissions across its generation fleet."

Southern Co.’s industry-leading R&D organisation served as technical consultants on the project. The team is engaged in research focused on low-carbon hydrogen power generation, production, delivery, transportation, infrastructure and energy storage.

Natural gas supports energy needs of a growing Georgia

Natural gas currently provides 40% of Georgia Power’s annual energy generation and has long been a bedrock fuel for the company. Georgia Power continues to work with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure it can reliably and economically meet the energy needs of a growing Georgia through the longstanding Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The company is currently developing three new Mitsubishi Power simple cycle combustion turbine resources, capable of utilising hydrogen, at Plant Yates in Coweta County as approved by the Georgia PSC in the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan Update (IRP).

In addition to new natural gas generation, Georgia Power is also investing in existing power plants to better serve Georgia. Notably, the company has proposed upgrades to ten natural gas turbines - both combined cycle and simple cycle - at Plant McIntosh in the 2025 IRP. These enhancements are expected to add an additional 268 MW of capacity, helping to meet the projected energy demands from existing infrastructure. Combined with new renewable generation resources such as solar, these initiatives highlight Georgia Power's dedication to reducing carbon emissions while fostering a resilient and reliable energy future and meeting the increasing energy needs of the state.

* The ratio of hydrogen content indicates volume ratio.

50% hydrogen blend testing successfully completed at Georgia Power’s Plant McDonough-Atkinson | Global Hydrogen Review