Performant
and Efficient
Planar
Proton-conducting
Electrolysis
ReactorSpicing Up Hydrogen Innovation
Discover PEPPER
Hydrogen is a crucial element in decarbonizing industries such as steel, chemicals, and heavy transport. The growing demand for green hydrogen is driving the need for more efficient and scalable production technologies.
The EU-funded PEPPER project (Performant and Efficient Planar Proton-conducting Electrolysis Reactor) is developing the next-generation electrolysis technology based on planar proton-conducting ceramic electrolysis cells (PCCELs).
What Makes
PEPPER Innovative?
High Efficiency
PEPPER relies on proton conducting ceramics. Operating at 600°C, PEPPER’s system uses industrial waste heat, reducing electricity consumption by up to 20 % compared to liquid water electrolysis.
More Sustainable
The unique planar compact design improves performance, reduces dependancy on rare earth elements, and lowers operational costs.
Built for Scale-Up
PEPPER is developing and testing a next-generation electrolysis technology , moving from early research (TRL 2) to a working prototype (TRL 4), helping establish the foundation for future industrial-scale green hydrogen production.
How does
PEPPER work?
Material Innovation
PEPPER will develop and test new non-noble, high-performance materials for PCCEL cells, reducing reliance on rare and expensive resources.
Techno-Economic & Environmental Assessment
The sustainability, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness of PEPPER′s technology will be evaluated, paving the way for industrial adoption and commercialization.
Electrolysis Stack Development
PCCEL cells with the best-performing materials will be scaled-up and integrated into a planar electrolysis stack demonstrator, designed for high efficiency and scalability.
System Optimization
The stack architecture will be fine-tuned to operate under realistic industrial conditions, ensuring durability, stability, and peak performance.
Performance Validation
The PEPPER technology will be tested under various operating scenarios, including pressurized conditions, to assess efficiency, lifetime, and reliability.
Latest
News
Published: 10. September 2025
PEPPER at SSPC22: International Panel on Proton-Conducting Ceramic Technologies
The 22nd International Conference on Solid-State Proton Conductors (SSPC22) is going to take place at DTU – Technical University of Denmark (DTU - Spicing Up Hydrogen Innovation) from 14–19 September 2025. The event brings together a global community of researchers to explore the latest progress in experimental and theoretical research on proton and related ion conduction in solids.
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The project is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.