NICKEFFECT and NOUVEAU Webinar: Water Electrolysers for a Sustainable Future

On April 1st, NICKEFFECT and the NOUVEAU project joined forces to host an insightful webinar titled “Water Electrolysers for a Sustainable Future”. This event provided insights into the latest advancements in electrolyser technologies, with NICKEFFECT focusing on Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysers (PEMWE) and NOUVEAU exploring Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs).

 

This session attracted researchers, industry professionals, and students eager to learn more about innovative developments in energy systems and how these technologies are driving a more sustainable future. The speakers provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with their respective electrolyser technologies.

 

Insights from NOUVEAU: Advancing SOEC Technology

 

Vesna Middelkoop, NOUVEAU Project Coordinator from VITO, presented “Development of SOECs – a pathway to a sustainable future”. Her presentation explored how SOEC technology plays a crucial role in the transition towards a green hydrogen economy and a low-carbon future. While SOECs do not use platinum group elements (PGEs), they still contain rare earth elements (REEs). The NOUVEAU project is tackling this challenge by developing La- and PGM-free electrode materials, along with solid electrolytes and interconnects that minimize REE usage—particularly through recycled Yttrium (Y) and Chromium (Cr). By employing advanced coating and modeling methodologies, coupled with sustainable-by-design (SSbD) and recycling strategies, NOUVEAU is paving the way for more sustainable hydrogen production.

 

NICKEFFECT’s approach to Sustainable PEM Water Electrolysis

 

Frederic Fouda-Onana, NICKEFFECT project partner from CEA, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Materials for electrodes of PEMWE: Challenges and Perspectives”. He addressed the high costs and scarcity of critical raw materials (CRMs) used in PEM water electrolysis, such as Platinum (cathode) and Iridium (anode). While PEMWE is a highly efficient method for green hydrogen production, reducing noble metal content is a key priority in the European Commission’s roadmap (targeting 0.25 mg/W of CRM by 2030). His presentation highlighted innovative alternative materials for hydrogen evolution in acidic media, their benefits, and the challenges associated with their implementation. The session concluded with a discussion on how materials developed within the NICKEFFECT project can contribute to enhancing the sustainability of PEMWE technology.

 

Watch the Webinar Recording

 

If you missed the live session or would like to revisit the key discussions, the full webinar recording is available on the NICKEFFECT YouTube channel. This is an excellent opportunity to explore innovative solutions shaping the future of electrolyser technologies and gain expert insights into the advancements in PEMWE and SOECs.