The Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium is set to conduct a trial of an AEM electrolyser for hydrogen production. Within the NextGen District of the Antwerp port, Power to Hydrogen (P2H2), a company based in Ohio, USA, has committed to installing an AEM electrolyser, which is touted by project partners as the "world's largest." While the exact capacity of the AEM system remains undisclosed, the companies have confirmed that installation is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

P2H2 asserts that its Clean Energy Bridge™ AEM electrolyser systems are more cost-effective compared to equivalent PEM systems, attributed to their low PGM catalyst usage and operation at over 200 bars, which, according to the company, removes the need for compression to achieve storage pressures. In March 2024, the company secured $6.6 million in funding from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to concentrate on expanding the domestic supply chain for manufacturing in the United States.

Potential of electrolyser technology

Backed by financial backing from American Electric Power, EDP, E.ON, and ESB through the Free Electrons Utility innovation program, the Belgian trial aims to showcase the potential of electrolyser technology in lowering the expenses associated with green hydrogen production.

Paul Matter, CEO of Power to Hydrogen, conveyed that through their installation at NextGen Demo, they aim to demonstrate that AEM electrolysis is capable of operating sustainability in a port environment.

Emerging technologies integrate with the port

The NextGen Demo area spans two hectares within Antwerp's industrial hub, providing a space for startups, spin-off firms, and pilot initiatives to trial novel technologies. In 2022, Plug Power revealed plans to construct a 100MW green hydrogen facility in Antwerp, integrated into the NextGen District. Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, described the zone as the ideal location where emerging technologies can seamlessly integrate with the port and industrial infrastructure.