// AEL / PEM Comparison of Technologies
The aim of the project is to compare alkaline electrolysis (AEL) with PEM electrolysis (PEMEL) by observing both technologies in industrial use. The scientific investigation is being carried out at the two power-to-hydrogen sites in Grenzach-Wyhlen (AEL) and Lampoldshausen (PEMEL).
This will involve evaluating the data from the commercial plant operation and from a test facility with various site-specific and application-led scenarios for the generation of electricity-based fuels and adopting a consistent approach to monitoring in order to ensure the comparability of the results. The aim is to answer the question as to how the two technologies actually perform in an industrial environment. This is the first time it will be possible to conduct a direct comparison of the technical parameters relevant to water electrolysis and to contrast them with one another on a megawatt scale. The operating data obtained in the project should help to identify the specific strengths and weaknesses of the technologies under investigation, especially their limits in dynamic plant management, the features they have in common, and any potential synergies.
The project findings will benefit plant operators, providing them with statistics for investment decisions and allowing them to find out which scenarios and electrolysis technologies are the most effective in terms of technical feasibility and economic efficiency. The results and statistics will also be helpful for developers and manufacturers of electrolysers. By showing the specific requirements in different operating scenarios, it will be possible to apply the information to product development and to come up with designs fit for the relevant purposes.
