GIGA-watt SCaling of advanced ALkaline water Electrolyser Separators

Introduction

The GIGA-SCALES project will establish a pioneering industrial-scale hydrogen membrane production plant, with up to 20 gigawatt (GW) capacity. The project introduces the latest generation of ZIRFON membranes which can boost stack electrical efficiency and reduce renewable electricity needs for electrolytic hydrogen production. This technology is expected to achieve 100% relative greenhouse gas avoidance compared to the reference scenario. Centrally located in Europe near major hubs and ports, the manufacturing plant will strategically anchor the value chain, ensuring reliable short-term supply to regional and European electrolyser manufacturers.

Project Overview

The GIGA-SCALES project is a first-of-a-kind commercialisation of hydrogen membrane production and represents a major step towards a more ecologically responsible future. The project has an unmatched production scale of 20GW and includes:

1. Automated, defect-free production lines specifically designed to overcome current bottlenecks.
2. The use of the highly efficient ZIRFON membranes, which will reduce the Levelised-cost-of-hydrogen (LCoH) while setting new industry benchmarks.

With the planned entry into operation already set for October 2025, the project will avoid an estimated 6.13 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases over the first ten years of operation. Its energy-efficient practices are projected to save a total of 157 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity, which is equivalent to an additional greenhouse gas emission reduction of 27.60 million tons of CO2 equivalent.

Location and Strategic Importance

The project is located in the heart of Europe’s value chain, in the Northern part of Belgium, 10km from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and 100km from the Port of Rotterdam, two major hotspots for future large-scale hydrogen production and distribution. The project has potential to advance the EU’s clean tech hydrogen manufacturing leadership by shifting from pilot to full-scale production.

This augments the value chain by addressing industry hesitations with:

• Substantial membrane production
• Lowered hydrogen costs
• Stakeholder collaboration

Economic Impact

The project is set to create between 1000 and 2000 direct and indirect jobs in various sectors. By enhancing renewable hydrogen production and reducing costs, the initiative attracts businesses and investments, enhancing local and regional economies.

Moreover, it opens broader integration of renewable hydrogen technologies, unlocking further potential for scalability and impact. By using new technology, cutting harmful emissions, and bringing social and economic advantages, the project moves us towards a more environmentally friendly future.