Electrolysis is a key technology that can help propel a global shift to hydrogen and transition toward a carbon-neutral future. Depending on how it’s produced, electrolysis has the potential to power our future with pure, carbon-free hydrogen and ease our dependence on fossil fuels. Electrolysis is a process that uses an electric current to create a chemical change in a substance. The reaction occurs in an electrolytic cell containing positive and negative electrodes. The electric current enters through the negatively charged electrode and transforms the substance. When this process is applied to water, the electrical current produces hydrogen by splitting the water into oxygen and hydrogen in a unit called an electrolyzer. This is often referred to as hydrogen electrolysis and is seen as a promising method for producing carbon-free hydrogen.
Hydrogen electrolysis has applications in a vast range of sectors, including generating emissions-free fuel for sustainable mobility to decarbonizing industrial processes and residential energy systems to stabilizing the power grid through energy storage. It can help drive the global energy transition and support the concept of sector coupling – integrating energy-consuming sectors, such as transport, manufacturing, heating and cooling, with the renewable power-producing sector.
Hydrogen is easy to transport and can be stored for long periods. This makes it ideal for integrating intermittent energy sources into the power grid by storing surplus electricity generated by wind and solar applications. For example, during peak production times, excess renewable electricity can be used to generate and store hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be used to fuel vehicles, rail and other mobility forms, power energy intensive industries like chemical and steel, and even provide heat for our homes. It can also be converted back into electricity and supply the power grid on days with little to no sun or wind.
Hydrogen is an invisible gas often categorized into colors based on how it's produced. The most common form is grey hydrogen, which is created from fossil fuels through a process called steam reforming. It currently accounts for more than 90 per cent of global hydrogen production. On the other side of the spectrum is green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. It is considered one of the cleanest forms of energy.
There are three main types of electrolyzers used to produce hydrogen. They can range in size from a small household appliance to a large-scale production facility. HORIBA offers customizable testing solutions in each.
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer
Pure water is passed through a solid polymer membrane at low temperatures with a catalyst.
Learn more about our PEM electrolyzer testing solutions.
Alkaline Electrolyzer
An electric current is routed directly through a strong alkaline solution at low temperatures.
Learn more about our Alkaline electrolyzer testing solutions.
Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) Electrolyzer
High temperatures are used to electrolyze water vapor.
Learn more about our SOEC electrolyzer testing solutions.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in electrolysis technology, HORIBA offers a broad range of expertise that is contributing to the development of a robust hydrogen ecosystem. Our highly precise measuring and analysis technologies are advancing energy efficiency from generation to storage to consumption.
As trusted partners in electrolyzer testing applications, we offer best-in-class technology, a sophisticated safety concept, flexible and intuitive software, and innovative solutions tailored to our customers’ needs.
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