Green Hydrogen as a Key to the Energy Transition
Green hydrogen is regarded as a key energy carrier of the
future. It enables the storage of renewable energy, serves as a
carbon-free feedstock in industrial processes, and can replace
fossil fuels in mobility and heavy-duty transport. At the heart
of this transformation lies electrolysis, which splits water into
hydrogen and oxygen. Among the available technologies,
proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is increasingly
in focus. It combines high efficiency, dynamic operation, and
compact design – the exact features required for integration
into renewable energy systems.
With its first proprietary PEM electrolyzer stack, AVL marks
a significant milestone in hydrogen technology. Developed,
built, and tested within just twelve months, the AEE 1 already
surpasses international efficiency targets. It demonstrates how
AVL successfully transfers its automotive know-how into the
energy sector.
Hydrogen Innovation
Made in Graz and
Vancouver
AVL’s First In-House PEM Electrolyzer Stack
Technology Environment and Market Demand
Currently, alkaline electrolyzers (AEL) dominate the market.
They are cost-effective, but comparatively slow and less
efficient. PEM electrolyzers, on the other hand, can respond
rapidly to fluctuating power from wind and solar energy,
operate at higher current densities, and produce high-purity
hydrogen. Global demand is therefore rising for high-
performance PEM stacks that enable the scale-up of green
hydrogen. AVL has positioned itself early on to address this
need.
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