{"id":15159,"date":"2026-03-30T14:45:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T14:45:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/nereus-next-generation-scalable-aem-electrolysers-as-sustainable-hydrogen-production-system\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T11:57:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T11:57:00","slug":"nereus","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/nereus\/","title":{"rendered":"NEREUS - Next-Generation Scalable AEM Electrolysers as Sustainable Hydrogen Production System"},"content":{"rendered":"
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NEREUS – Next-Generation Scalable AEM Electrolysers as Sustainable Hydrogen Production System<\/h1>\n

Development of scalable next-generation AEM electrolysers for sustainable hydrogen production<\/h4>\n

In the recently launched NEREUS project, we are working with our international project partners to develop next-generation anion exchange membrane electrolysers (AEM electrolysers) for high-performance, long-lasting and cost-efficient hydrogen production<\/strong>. The aim of the project is to combine innovative materials, stack designs and system components into a scalable overall system and thus accelerate the market launch of sustainable electrolysis technologies. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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New AEM electrolysers for sustainable hydrogen production<\/h2>\n

The expansion of the hydrogen economy requires electrolysis systems that combine high efficiency, a long service life and economic manufacturability. This is precisely where NEREUS comes in: The project is developing AEM electrolysers<\/strong> as a promising technology for the sustainable production of green hydrogen. The focus is on the further development of low-temperature water electrolysis into systems that are both powerful and cost-efficient. <\/p>\n

A key approach here is the utilisation of platinum-group-metal-free electrodes<\/strong> in combination with advanced membranes and precisely engineered components. The goal is to reduce material costs while simultaneously laying the technological foundation for robust, industry-ready electrolysis systems. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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From cell and stack design to a compact overall system<\/h2>\n

In NEREUS, we are jointly developing novel cell and stack configurations<\/strong> in which bipolar plates, frames and seals, among other things, are specifically designed for high performance and scalability. An important innovation is the significant reduction in cell thickness to enable more compact and efficient systems. <\/p>\n

This approach is complemented by an intelligent and compact balance-of-plant system (BoP)<\/strong>. This includes highly efficient power electronics, advanced gas-liquid separators and intelligent fluid and pressure management. This forms the basis for an AEM electrolysis system with more than 20 kW<\/strong>, which is specially designed for dynamic load conditions. In this way, NEREUS combines the development of individual components with integration into an application-oriented overall system. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Flexible operation, diagnostics and path to market launch<\/h2>\n

The system developed in the project is designed for direct DC-DC coupling with renewable energy sources<\/strong> and can therefore also be used in off-grid operation with low energy losses. At the same time, it can support grid-supporting functions such as frequency and voltage regulation. NEREUS thus contributes to both energy autonomy and grid stability. <\/p>\n

In addition to system development, reliability, standardisation, and commercialisation also play a central role. For this reason, the project integrates advanced diagnostic tools and machine-learning models<\/strong> to recognise degradation mechanisms at an early stage and improve the systems\u2019 service life. At the same time, regulatory requirements and certification pathways are taken into account early in the project. NEREUS is thus laying the groundwork for safe, interoperable, and market-ready AEM electrolysers in Europe\u2019s energy transition. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Project information<\/h2>\n

Project acronym:<\/b> NEREUS<\/p>\n

Full project title:<\/b> Next-Generation Scalable AEM Electrolyzers as Sustainable Hydrogen Production System<\/p>\n

Duration:<\/b> 1 March 2026 – 28 February 2029<\/p>\n

Funding program:<\/b> Horizon Europe \/ Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking<\/p>\n

Grant Agreement ID:<\/b> 101251004<\/p>\n

Funding area:<\/b> Climate, Energy and Mobility<\/p>\n

DOI:<\/b> 10.3030\/101251004<\/p>\n

Funding amount (total):<\/b> \u20ac 3,999,785.64<\/p>\n

Funding amount (ZBT share):<\/b> 499.233,80 \u20ac<\/p>\n

Coordination:<\/b> Antares Electrolysis S.r.l., Italy<\/p>\n

Project partners:<\/b><\/p>\n