Validating AEM Electrolysis with the Protium Pioneer 1 System.
Showcase #2 explores the performance and commercial potential of a 100kW Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, installed and operated at the University of South Wales’ Hydrogen Centre (Test Line #2). This showcase is designed to validate the effectiveness of AEM technology in delivering clean, cost-efficient hydrogen production—supporting the H2SHIFT mission to accelerate hydrogen innovation through real-world testing.
AEM electrolysers represent an alternative to more established electrolysis technologies because they use non-precious metal catalysts like nickel and iron, significantly reducing costs while maintaining high efficiency. AEM electrolysers operate in an alkaline environment, using a selective polymer membrane to conduct hydroxide ions (OH⁻) while preventing gas crossover.
The Protium Pioneer 1 unit, made up of 40 x 2.5kW AEM stacks, has been installed and commissioned after the completion of the site preparations, including utility connections, ancillary systems, and safety upgrades.
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the electrolyser’s technical and commercial potential, the system is subject to a series of test phases:
1. Operational Performance Testing
Evaluate hydrogen output, efficiency, load response, and startup/shutdown behaviour. The system should meet production targets with stable performance under varying loads.
2. Durability and Longevity Testing
Test continuous and cyclic operation, identify component wear, and estimate lifespan.
3. Gas Purity and Safety Testing
Ensure hydrogen meets purity standards, detect leaks, with no appreciable gas crossover.
4. Efficiency and Energy Use Testing
Measure energy and water use, Faradaic efficiency, and thermal control to assess performance.
5. Economic and Cost Analysis
Estimate the unit cost of hydrogen produced, evaluate operating/maintenance costs
6. Safety and Compliance Testing
Verify emergency systems, check regulatory compliance, and minimise environmental impacts.
By testing the AEM electrolyser under dynamic, long-term, and safety-critical conditions, this showcase will generate valuable data to support scale-up and commercialization of AEM technology.
Through the H2SHIFT project, Test Line #2 is being developed at the University of South Wales’ Hydrogen Centre to include AEM electrolyser testing on nominal 100kW, 10kW and 1kW test beds.
This showcase initiative demonstrates how Test Line #2 can be used by innovators and SMEs to validate novel electolytic hydrogen production in an operational environment-laying the groundwork for broader adoption of low-cost, efficient, and environmentally sustainable hydrogen production technologies.
