ANEMEL joins forces with ENABLER to explore the market potential of AEM technologies

Both European projects will collaborate on the initiative MarketHy to conduct a comprehensive market analysis of the hydrogen sector, including AEM electrolysis and fuel cells.

ANEMEL has joined forces with the European project ENABLER, focused on next-generation fuel cells, to explore the market potential of anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrocatalyst technologies. This collaboration, made possible through an EIC Booster Grant, aims to unlock new opportunities in the hydrogen sector.

This new initiative, named MarketHy, will focus on conducting a comprehensive market analysis of the hydrogen sector, including AEM electrolysis as well as fuel cells. Its goal is to harness and study the growing potential of this sector.

With the global push towards decarbonisation, the development of new technologies based on renewable electricity and fuels is a must, with green hydrogen identified as a critical energy vector in this effort. This situation means a rapidly transition from lab to market and scale-up of innovations in electrolysis and fuel cells.

In this regard, understanding the scientific and technological barriers, as well as potential policy challenges, due to the use of different raw materials, is critical for the commercial success of these novel technologies. MarketHy is the perfect opportunity for ANEMEL and ENABLER to research and understand these topics and develop strategies to overcome them.

MarketHy will focus on conducting a comprehensive market analysis of the hydrogen sector.

The specific objectives of MarketHy will be:

  • To evaluate AEM electrocatalyst technologies.
  • To create a tailored business model canvas, analyse barriers and engage stakeholders.
  • To assess scalability pathways, define the objectives for TEA, collect data on materials, processes, and costs.
  • To estimate revenues and construct a pricing model.

The main partner involved in this project from the ANEMEL consortium is the University of Galway, in Ireland. “There is the need for a balanced compromise between materials availability, abundance, recyclability and durability of the new technologies,” says Pau Fàrras, coordinator of ANEMEL. Their research focuses on understanding the techno-economic implications of using PGM-based or PGM-free materials as anode and cathode catalysts in AEM electrolysis and fuel cells.

On ENABLER’s side, the primary contributor is the ReCatalyst, a spin-out from the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia. ReCatalyst specialises in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), addressing scalability and cost challenges associated with precious metals like platinum. The company is developing a platform technology to produce next-generation catalyst materials for applications in decarbonising the energy and transport sectors, such as PEM fuel cells, water electrolysis, and other power-to-X applications.