Naturgy, under the leadership of Francisco Reynés, and the Canary Islands Technological Institute (ITC), a public research and development center overseen by the Canary Islands Government, are collaborating to validate a pioneering electrolysis technology for the production of green hydrogen.
Naturgy, a prominent energy company, has partnered with the Canary Islands Technological Institute (ITC) to explore innovative green hydrogen production technology. This collaboration aims to validate a new electrolysis method known as the Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM), developed by the Singaporean startup Sungreen.
Project Overview
The joint project involves the installation and testing of a 2 kW experimental electrolyzer prototype. This prototype will be evaluated against existing commercial systems to assess its efficiency and design. The AEM technology is expected to enhance green hydrogen production by reducing reliance on scarce materials, improving both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Naturgy, represented by Francisco Reynés, believes that innovation is a crucial instrument in the creation of new energy solutions that advance the energy transition, tackle climate change, and advance technological advancements that support process simplification, cybersecurity, data management, and digitalization. serving as yet another essential pillar for accomplishing the goals of the business.
Key Features of the AEM Technology
- Adaptability: The AEM technology is designed to be highly adaptable to renewable energy sources, enabling more flexible and responsive hydrogen production.
- Self-Regulation: It promises self-regulation capabilities, which could optimize production processes and enhance overall efficiency.
Project Phases
- Initial Phase: The current phase focuses on testing the 2 kW electrolyzer prototype.
- Future Expansion: If successful, a second phase is planned for early 2025, involving a larger 50 kW electrolyzer in Gran Canaria. This phase will aim to further refine the technology and move towards commercialization.
Strategic Importance
This initiative is part of a broader commitment by Naturgy and ITC to accelerate the integration of renewable energy into the energy model, supporting the transition to a decarbonized economy. Gonzalo Piernavieja from ITC highlighted that testing cutting-edge technologies for green hydrogen is crucial for achieving sustainability goals and positioning the Canary Islands as a leader in this emerging field.
The collaboration not only underscores the potential of innovative hydrogen technologies but also reflects a growing trend in the energy sector towards sustainable practices and solutions that mitigate climate change impacts.
