CX-100890 High efficiency PEM water electrolysis enabled by advanced catalysts, membranes and processes

High efficiency PEM water electrolysis enabled by advanced catalysts, membranes and processes
Award Number: DE-EE0008081
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B3.15
Fuel Cells Technologies Office
Location(s): CT
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Proton OnSite (Proton) for the development of an advanced proton exchange membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for water electrolysis capable of meeting DOE cost and efficiency targets. Project work would occur within existing laboratories at Proton’s facility in Connecticut, Tufts University in Massachusetts (Tufts), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee, Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in Illinois, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in California. This project would be linked to the HydroGEN Energy Materials Network and could involve other DOE laboratory sites which are not yet defined. This is a three-year research project that includes three budget periods. Only Budget Period 1 (BP1) is being negotiated at this time so this NEPA review is for BP1 activities only. Additional NEPA review will be required if DOE proposes to continue funding the project into subsequent budget periods.

Project activities include advanced membrane selection, characterization, modeling, and integration efforts; fabrication of advanced MEAs using ultrasonic spray deposition and characterization of resulting MEAs; as well as project management and reporting activities. Project work would occur in existing facilities/laboratories designed for this type of work that would utilize standard laboratory equipment; therefore no modifications, new permits, additional licenses and/or authorizations would be necessary. No ground disturbing activities, no changes in operation of existing facilities, and no installation of equipment outdoors would occur at any of the facilities involved in the project. Each facility would adhere to their existing health and safety policies and procedures regarding personnel safety and the handling, storage, and disposal of gases and chemicals. Various hazardous materials would be handled as part of this project. Each of the facilities utilizing hazardous materials would follow the procedures for the handling and disposal of those materials in accordance with each facility’s existing environmental health and safety plans and procedures as well as all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Other non-hazardous wastes would be disposed of in accordance with established guidelines at each facility. Nanoengineered alloy catalyst layers would require the use of nanoscale materials. Employees would be trained in the safe use and handling of these materials including the use of proper personal protective equipment and disposal. All nanoscale materials used during the project would be collected in segregated drums for recycling once they have served their useful purpose. DOE does not anticipate any impacts to resources of concern due to the proposed activities of the project.