Researchers at Finland’s LUT University have achieved a voltage of 1,000 V in a series-connected alkaline electrolysis system, seeking to improve the cost efficiency of green hydrogen production. The project uses power electronics from ABB and electrolyser stacks supplied by Estonia-based Stargate Hydrogen.
The researchers say that operating at higher voltage can reduce the current required by the system, cutting electrical losses and lowering the cost of power supply equipment and power electronics. These components represent about one-quarter of a hydrogen plant’s investment costs. If those costs were halved, total system investment could fall by approximately 10% to 15%, according to the research team.
Industrial alkaline electrolysers typically operate at around 200 V to 400 V. The next stage of the project will focus on system design, modelling and reducing stray currents as the researchers work toward scaling high-voltage electrolysis.
Elsewhere in the sector, Japan’s Jera and India’s AM Green have signed a binding agreement for the supply of about 70,000 metric tons of green ammonia annually over five years. The ammonia will come from AM Green’s planned facility in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, which is expected to start operations in 2028-2029.
The ammonia will be shipped to Japan and handled through receiving, storage and distribution facilities near Jera’s Hekinan thermal power station in Aichi Prefecture. The fuel is primarily intended for ammonia-powered car carriers. Jera is working with Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha on dedicated bunkering infrastructure.
Separately, seven Japanese companies have agreed to develop an integrated ammonia supply chain in the Chubu region and build and operate four ammonia-fueled car carriers. The vessels and a dedicated bunkering ship are scheduled for completion in 2030.
The European Commission has also launched the T-MED Investment Platform to support large-scale investment in renewable energy and clean technologies across the Mediterranean. The initiative includes up to €4.5 billion in guarantee capacity. Among the selected projects, Egypt’s Niat and Rasgha wind projects are expected to add 500 MW of onshore wind capacity in the Gulf of Suez, supporting the country’s renewable energy base for future hydrogen production.
A study by six researchers from the University of Trieste compared renewable hydrogen imported from Oman with hydrogen produced domestically in Italy. The analysis found that imports could be more economical, while domestic production would have a lower carbon footprint.
The research assessed two supply chains based on proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, including renewable electricity generation, hydrogen liquefaction, storage, transport and regasification. It estimated a levelized cost of hydrogen of €7.84 per kilogram for imports from Oman, compared with €10.22 per kilogram for domestic production in Italy.
However, lifecycle emissions were estimated at 2.26 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of hydrogen for the Italian supply chain, versus 2.62 kilograms for imports. The researchers identified electrolysis as the largest contributor to both emissions and costs, accounting for up to 81% of the carbon footprint and 74.4% of the levelized cost. Maritime transport represents about 10% of the final cost of imported hydrogen.
The study also highlighted ports and regional initiatives, including the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley, as potential hubs for combining domestic production with international hydrogen imports.
Sources: pv magazine.