About the project
The project SAHARA aims to advance the development of a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC), increasing its technology readiness level, with a focus on the direct production of H2 from solar energy. Key objectives include development of novel photoanode with increased lifetime and low-CRM content utilizing innovative coating methods, expanding the active area for scalable processes, achieving high hydrogen purity and operating pressures for industrial applications, and optimizing solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency. Sustainability is a priority, with a focus on recycling components and reducing the carbon footprint. The project also aims to reduce the cost of PEC components and H2 production while ensuring economic viability.
The expected results are planned to significantly push PEC technology further towards achieving its ultimate goals of competitive and scalable H2 production. With an active area of up to 400 cm², scalability is demonstrated. Even if it cannot yet compete with conventional H2 production, the improvements will bring the technology closer to market maturity. The planned H2 purity of 99.9% and operating pressure of 5 bar will meet industry standards, enhancing its potential for real-world use. STH efficiency >10% and H2 evolution efficiency >85%, will significantly enhance performance. Reducing H2 production costs to <4 €/kg and lowering PEC component costs by >20% improves its economic feasibility. In addition, sustainability is further enhanced by recycling >90 % of the metallic catalyst components and reducing CO2 emissions by 60 % (compared to steam reforming). These planned results will accelerate the development of PEC technology into a competitive solution for green H2 production.
