The Chinese firm Shuangliang Group has announced the completion of the world’s largest alkaline water electrolyzer. This advanced system is capable of producing 990 pounds of hydrogen per hour, positioning it as a significant development in the global hydrogen market.
The electrolyzer was revealed on October 18, 2024, at Shuangliang’s first innovation conference. This event focused on promoting clean energy technologies and building partnerships with other companies committed to renewable energy advancements.
Alkaline electrolyzers use an electrolyte solution, such as potassium or sodium hydroxide, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. An electrical current drives the separation process, releasing hydrogen gas for storage and use. The electrolyzer’s design ensures efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production, making it suitable for large-scale applications.
The new electrolyzer can handle 5,000 normal cubic meters per hour (Nm³/h), translating to approximately 990 pounds of hydrogen per hour. It operates with high energy efficiency, consuming less than 43.09 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen. Compared to other systems, such as Nordex SE’s pressurized alkaline electrolyzer in Spain, which produces 22 pounds of hydrogen per hour at nearly 50 kWh per kilogram, Shuangliang’s electrolyzer represents a major leap in both output and efficiency.
The electrolyzer is ideal for sectors that require significant amounts of hydrogen, including steel production, chemical manufacturing, and hydrogen fuel generation. It supports the growing hydrogen economy by enabling scalable production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and advancing decarbonization efforts.
Hydrogen generated through this process can be stored and used on demand for various purposes, including as fuel for hydrogen vehicles, in energy plants, or as a raw material for producing ammonia and other chemicals.
The electrolyzer operates with zero direct carbon emissions, aligning with global goals to transition toward renewable energy. Its design outperforms conventional alkaline systems and competes with advanced alternatives like solid-oxide electrolyzers, which require external heat sources to function. Other emerging technologies, such as capillary-fed electrolyzers and Cipher Neutron’s AEM machines, are still in development, leaving Shuangliang’s solution as the leader in large-scale commercial applications.
This new electrolyzer marks a major step forward for hydrogen technology, providing a sustainable, efficient solution to meet the increasing global demand for green hydrogen. As industries seek cleaner energy sources, Shuangliang’s innovation offers a practical path toward a low-carbon future.
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