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Updated: Jul 20, 2025
10:00
Hydrogen Production and Utilization in a Membrane Reactor
Published on: March 10, 2023
2.4K
Towards renewable hydrogen-based electrolysis: Alkaline vs Proton Exchange Membrane
Bernhard N D van Haersma Buma1, Marco Peretto1, Ziad M Matar1
1Technology, Policy & Management, TU Delft, Jaffalaan 5, Delft 2628BX, the Netherlands.
Heliyon
|August 4, 2023
Summary
Experts slightly favor alkaline electrolyzers over proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology for renewable hydrogen production. However, the competition remains close, with key factors like price and safety influencing the dominant design.
Area of Science:
- Energy Science
- Materials Science
- Engineering
Background:
- The renewable hydrogen sector is experiencing a technological competition between alkaline and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis designs.
- Identifying the dominant design is crucial for future energy infrastructure development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the factors influencing technology dominance in renewable hydrogen electrolysis.
- To compare alkaline and PEM electrolyzer technologies based on expert opinions.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify critical factors for technology dominance.
- A Best Worst Method (BWM) analysis was performed, involving interviews with industry experts.
Main Results:
- Key factors influencing technology dominance include Price, Safety, Energy consumption, Flexibility, Lifetime, Stack size, and Materials used.
- Expert opinions showed a slight preference for alkaline electrolyzers, but the difference was not significant enough to declare a winner.
Conclusions:
- The battle for a dominant design in renewable hydrogen electrolysis is ongoing, with both alkaline and PEM technologies showing strengths.
- Further research and development are needed to definitively establish a leading technology in the hydrogen economy.
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