Selected under FCH JU call for proposals 2015, the recently started GrinHy project is aiming at proving the technological and economical interest of high-temperature electrolysis as a high electric efficient technology for hydrogen production. The system is also reversible, capable of being operated as a fuel cell to produce electricity when this would be needed.

The proof-of-concept action will be located in a steel production plant in view of capturing and exploiting the waste heat produced in this energy-intensive process.

The high-temperature electrolysis output will be exploited in-house, either in the form of hydrogen - in replacement of hydrocarbons in selected steel-making process steps - or in its reverse mode as electricity generator when not enough renewable electricity is available. In both cases, this will contribute to lowering the carbon footprint in the steel production process.

The GrinHy high-temperature electrolysis unit will be located at Salzgitter Flachstahl in Salzgitter, Germany, and should be ready for initial testing at the onset of 2018.

Find out more about this project here.