The largest electrolyzer ever produced in Spain has a capacity of 500 kW and can generate hydrogen using electricity from wind farms.
Nordex SE, a leading German wind turbine manufacturer, has developed a prototype of a pressurized alkaline electrolyzer with a capacity of 500 kW for hydrogen production, as reported by Interesting Engineering on June 18. This machine is fully designed, manufactured, and assembled in Spain, making it the largest electrolyzer ever produced in this European country.
The pressurized alkaline electrolyzer manufactured by Nordex. (Photo: Nordex).
Hydrogen is one of the fuels that can replace fossil fuels in vehicles, and even airplanes. However, current hydrogen production methods still rely on fossil fuels, making this energy source less effective in combating climate change. The electrolyzer could change this situation by using cleaner and greener energy to produce hydrogen.
Pressurized alkaline electrolyzers utilize a concentrated liquid electrolyte, such as potassium or sodium hydroxide. Two electrodes are separated by a porous inorganic membrane. The generated hydrogen gas can be easily extracted, and the entire process occurs at temperatures below 100 degrees Celsius. This technology is suitable for large-scale hydrogen production at relatively low costs.
Nordex Electrolyzers, a subsidiary of Nordex SE, unveiled the first prototype of the 500 kW pressurized alkaline electrolyzer earlier this week. Previously, the company developed a 50 kW prototype, which is currently being tested at its facility in Puertollano, Ciudad Real.
With a capacity of 500 kW, the new electrolyzer can produce approximately 10 kg of hydrogen per hour and consumes less than 50 kWh of electricity for each kilogram of hydrogen. The technology and design of the machine allow production to continue even when the power supply fluctuates or is interrupted. The prototype is also designed to operate with renewable energy from wind farms, enabling it to integrate with Nordex’s wind turbines.
“This prototype is part of Nordex Electrolyzers’ development plan aimed at creating the final design of a MW-scale product by 2026. One of Nordex Electrolyzers’ commitments is to produce high-quality and efficient electrolyzers while focusing on sustainability, contributing to the transition to a clean energy economy,” said Luis Solla, CEO of Nordex Electrolyzers.
