Performant and Efficient Planar Proton-conducting Electrolysis Reactor: the PEPPER project

Kurzfassung

The global hydrogen market is expanding rapidly, with demand projected to reach 175 million tons by 2030. In Europe alone, clean hydrogen supply is expected to hit 170 GW and 20 Mt H2 per year, still short of the estimated 30 Mt H2 needed—highlighting a 10 Mt H2 supply gap. This is primarily due to the low capacity factor of renewables and the high energy demand of current electrolysis technologies. Electrolysis using high-temperature steam can reduce electricity consumption by up to 20% at nominal rates, particularly where industrial waste heat is available. Many industrial processes—such as refining and chemical production—generate heat in the form of steam within the 400–600°C range, ideal for integration with electrolysis systems. Reusing this heat can cut emissions and energy costs associated with hydrogen production. Proton-Conducting Ceramic Electrolysis Cells (PCCELs) operate effectively in this intermediate range. Their design allows for steam and hydrogen stream separation and enables electrochemical compression, reducing the need for mechanical compression. This makes PCCELs uniquely suited for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Led by DLR (Germany), the PEPPER consortium gathers research and industrial partners across Europe including AVL (Austria), CEA (France), CNRS (France), DTU (France), EIFER (Germany), ELCOGEN (Estonia) and Grant Garant (Czech Republic). The PEPPER project aims to develop two scalable, high-efficiency planar PCCEL technologies for operation at 600°C. The project integrates sustainability aspects by reducing reliance on critical raw materials and validating performance under industrial conditions. The goal is to scale up cells to 100 cm², integrate them into short stacks, and assess their long-term durability and efficiency. By comparing this technology with existing SOEL-based systems, PEPPER will assess both environmental and economic impacts. The project will deliver a roadmap to guide commercialization and industrial uptake by 2035, supporting Europe's leadership in clean hydrogen technologies.