Germany’s leading wind turbine manufacturer, Nordex SE, has recently unveiled the first prototype of a 500 kW pressurized alkaline electrolyzer for hydrogen production. This machine is designed to continue production even when power sources fluctuate or are interrupted, consuming less than 50 kWh of electricity per kg of hydrogen produced.
Nordex Electrolyzers, a subsidiary of Nordex SE, built this prototype entirely in Spain, making it the largest electrolysis machine ever produced in the European country. The machine utilizes a concentrated liquid electrolyte, such as potassium or sodium hydroxide, and two electrodes separated by a porous inorganic membrane to produce hydrogen gas easily. This process occurs at temperatures below 100 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for large-scale hydrogen production at a relatively low cost.
Hydrogen is a fuel that has the potential to replace fossil fuels in cars and airplanes. However, current hydrogen production methods still rely on fossil fuels, which hinders its ability to effectively combat climate change. Electrolyzers offer a solution by using cleaner and greener energy sources to create hydrogen. Pressurized alkaline electrolyzers utilize this technology and have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel usage.
The prototype is intended to operate using renewable energy from wind farms and can be integrated with Nordex wind turbines. With the ability to produce approximately 10 kg of hydrogen per hour and consume less than 50 kWh of electricity per kg of hydrogen produced, this machine is an efficient and sustainable solution for large-scale hydrogen production.
Nordex Electrolyzers is committed to producing high-quality and efficient electrolyzers that focus on sustainability and contribute to the transition to a clean energy economy. The company plans to develop the final design of a MW-scale product by 2026 as part of its development plan.
Overall, this prototype represents an important step towards more sustainable transportation options and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.
