AI Summary.
Nel ASA has announced a next-generation pressurized alkaline electrolysis system (Pressurized Alkaline), the development and testing phase of which has lasted over eight years. The new technology is designed to address the challenges of green hydrogen production: high costs and plant complexity.
- Significant cost savings: The system drops estimated turnkey total costs (CAPEX) to below $1,450 per kilowatt (for a 25 MW plant), which is 40–60% less than current market solutions (which can be up to 3,000 USD/kW).
- Technical features: The equipment is fully modular and factory-built (skid-based), which speeds up installation and reduces on-site construction work. The system operates at 15 bar pressure and produces 99.99% pure hydrogen, reducing the need for external compression.
- Production and financing: Nel manufactures the equipment at its Herøya plant in Norway. Annual production capacity is currently 1 GW and can be scaled up to 4 GW. The project has received up to 135 million euros in funding support from the EU Innovation Fund.
Interesting: This could make projects viable that were not feasible with previous technology. And of course, the EU support is essential - NEL’s actions are in line with EU objectives.