Imagine a liquid that acts like a rechargeable battery for hydrogen gas. This project creates a way to 'unlock' that gas using a special catalyst and a fuel cell that provides its own heat. Instead of burning fossil fuels to get the hydrogen out, it generates clean electricity as a bonus.
Current hydrogen dehydrogenation often relies on fossil fuels (NG or LPG) for heat, creating CO2 emissions and high operational costs. Additionally, many catalysts rely on expensive, critical raw materials that risk supply chain instability.
A TRL 5 prototype of a CO2-free dehydrogenation plant featuring low-CRM catalysts and a thermally integrated SOFC system.
If you are a terminal operator dealing with the high cost of hydrogen transport — this project developed a dehydrogenation plant that targets a delivery cost of <2.5€/kg. It allows for large-scale production of 100-1,000 t H2/d without using natural gas.
If you are a plant manager dealing with carbon taxes and high energy costs — this project developed a thermally integrated SOFC system that increases overall efficiency to >50%. It provides both CO2-free hydrogen and electric power from a liquid carrier.
If you are a chemical company dealing with the scarcity of expensive noble metals — this project developed low-critical raw material catalysts reaching >95% conversion and >99.8% selectivity. This reduces reliance on expensive raw materials while maintaining high productivity.
The project aims to demonstrate a hydrogen carrier delivery cost of less than 2.5€/kg.
Yes, the ambition is to demonstrate feasibility for large-scale production ranging from 100 to 1,000 tonnes of H2 per day.
Based on available project data, the consortium includes 11 partners, with industry leaders Heraeus, Hygear, and Framatome supporting market entry, though specific licensing terms are not listed.
The system uses an SOFC-system thermally integrated with the dehydrogenation process, meaning the fuel cell covers the heat demand while generating electricity.
The project runs from June 2023 to May 2026, with a goal to validate prototype performance for at least 500 hours.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with a 64% industry ratio (7 out of 11 partners), including 5 SMEs. The presence of major industrial players like Heraeus, Hygear, and Framatome alongside 4 academic institutions indicates a strong push for commercialization and fast market entry rather than pure theoretical research.
Contact the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) regarding the UnLOHCked project
Contact us to connect with the UnLOHCked industrial partners for early adoption.
