Enefit Solutions and H2Electro are developing more efficient hydrogen technology
Enefit Solutions and H2Electro are developing a prototype of an electrolyser required for hydrogen and synthesis gas production. With the device, the efficiency of hydrogen technology can be tested and the cost price of hydrogen production can be reduced. The project is co-financed by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) from the European Union’s Just Transition Fund.
The electrolyser prototype enables two production methods:
- splitting of water vapour into hydrogen and oxygen,
- production of synthesis gas from water vapour and carbon dioxide.
The hydrogen sector is an important development direction for both Estonia and the European Union, reducing dependence on natural gas and fossil fuels. Therefore, the products of electrolysis will become increasingly important in the future: stored hydrogen can be used for heat and electricity generation, while synthesis gas can be utilised for chemical production.
The Chairman of the Management Board of Enefit Solutions, Rait Kalda, confirmed that hydrogen holds an important position in Enefit Solutions’ development plans.
‘Our long-term goal is to develop a device primarily suited for industrial solutions. We also aim to support companies with know-how as they take steps towards using green hydrogen. Currently, the wider adoption of hydrogen is hindered by the efficiency of electrolysers: due to high electricity prices, the cost of hydrogen production is too high. In collaboration with H2Electro, we are developing and testing a more energy-efficient device,’ said Rait Kalda.
He added that Eesti Energia is the only company in Estonia with decades of experience in hydrogen production, as well as in the safe handling of electrolysers and hydrogen – hydrogen has been produced for cooling power station generators.
According to Henrik Hal, founder and CEO of H2Electro, the electrolyser uses innovative multi-cells developed by them.
‘We use ceramic electrode materials in stacks, which are more stable and efficient than traditional materials. The cells are designed for industrial applications and manage excess electrical and thermal energy more effectively. Our technology takes hydrogen and carbon-neutral chemical production to an entirely new level,’ said Henrik Hal.
Additional information
The project focuses on high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC technology), using novel fuel cell electrodes. Simultaneously, both carbon dioxide and water vapour undergo electrolysis, a process known as co-electrolysis. Since the production process yields two different products – hydrogen and synthesis gas – the fuel electrodes and their interfaces must be optimised with this in mind. The entire system is designed to allow for the future integration of a reactor that produces methanol from synthesis gas. As a final result, a 1 MW modular co-electrolyser for industrial applications must be completed.
The project is co-financed by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency from the European Union’s Just Transition Fund under the grant for knowledge-intensive activities of Ida-Viru enterprises. The total cost of the project is approximately 2.3 million euros, lasting two years. Amount of support: €1,642,928.46
Founded in 2021, H2Electro specialises in the production of high-efficiency high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells. The assembly of these cells enables the most efficient hydrogen production. The single cell with ceramic layers has been developed in collaboration with the Institute of Chemistry at the University of Tartu and does not contain precious metals.
Enefit Solutions is a subsidiary of Eesti Energia with diverse expertise in the design and manufacturing of metal structures, as well as mining, energy and industrial equipment. In addition, the company provides equipment repair and maintenance services and conducts expertise in metals and welded joints.