In an exclusive video, Kathy Ayers, Nel’s Vice President of Research and Development, discusses the benefits of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer technology, Nel’s collaboration with General Motors, and the ongoing growth of the manufacturing site in Wallingford.
Pioneering the green hydrogen sector
Video Credit: Nel Hydrogen
Ayers explains why clean hydrogen is so vital in the green transition.
“I think it is possible to solve the climate crisis. Obviously, we cannot do it by ourselves. We need supportive policy and funding, but I think it is technically feasible,” says Ayers.
From Space to Submarines
“Even if you think that batteries will address many of the electrification needs, we still need hydrogen. It’s so important as a chemical feedstock. And if we can’t find ways to make that renewable and sustainable, then we can’t reduce the carbon emissions from many industrial processes,” Ayers continues.
Ayers outlines Nel’s journey since the inception of the PEM division in Wallingford.
“To go all the way back, the PEM technology was developed by General Electric (GE), who was using it for aerospace,” Ayers recalls.
She describes how employees from GE and Hamilton Sundstrand brought that technology to Hamilton and used it to generate oxygen for submarine life support; then, some of the same people chose to use the technology to manufacture hydrogen, forming Proton OnSite, which Nel eventually purchased.
Nel Hydrogen test engineer washes machine parts. Image Credit: Nel Hydrogen
Nel Hydrogens PEM manufacturing warehouse at Wallingford. Image Credit: Nel Hydrogen
Nel Hydrogens new fully automated PEM electrolyzer production facility is currently being constructed. Image Credit: Nel Hydrogen
Nel Hydrogens facility in Wallingford. Image Credit: Nel Hydrogen
Nel Hydrogen engineer works on a PEM electrolyzer. Image Credit: Nel Hydrogen
Nel Hydrogen engineers working on the PEM electrolyzers. Image Credit: Nel Hydrogen
PEM Technology: A Standout Solution
“One of the main advantages of the PEM electrolyzers is the smaller footprint because of the high current density we can use to operate these stacks and the very thin cell construction. The technology’s capability for high dynamic operations, responding swiftly to changes in energy input or demand output, makes it uniquely suited for sustainable energy solutions,” Ayers says.
Since January 2023, Ayers and her technological team have collaborated closely with General Motors. The collaboration combines Nel’s electrolyzer expertise with GM's knowledge of fuel cells and automobile manufacturing.
“Together, we are taking the PEM technology a giant step further,” she explains.
An Exciting Transition
Nel’s Wallingford staff are currently undergoing a very exciting change process. The manufacturing facility’s annual production capacity is increasing from 50 to 500 MW, and it is transitioning from manual to automatic production.
“Moving things from the lab into an automated process is going to be important because of the volumes we need to reach,” Ayers shares.
The goal is to boost production from thousands to millions to meet the growing demand for PEM electrolysis.
The project represents the culmination of years of commitment, with several team members dedicating more than two decades to the cause.
“It’s great to see that coming to fruition finally,” Ayers says with a sense of accomplishment and hope for the future.
This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Nel Hydrogen.
For more information on this source, please visit Nel Hydrogen.