EU FUNDING FOR ELECTROLYSER & FUEL CELL PROJECTS
The shift towards clean energy...
... means moving away from fossil fuels and embracing renewable sources like solar and wind power. But there's a challenge—renewables are intermittent and don’t always provide electricity exactly when we need it. That’s why finding flexible energy solutions is key to making this transition work, especially for sectors like transportation, power generation, and industry. One of the most promising solutions comes from electrochemical devices like batteries, supercapacitors, and electrochemical cells (electrolysers and fuel cells). These devices help efficiently control and direct electricity, which is simply a flow of electrons—much like water flowing through a hose.
Electrochemical cells are quite clever
They have two electrodes—an anode and a cathode—where chemical reactions take place, plus an electrolyte that allows ions to move between them while electrons flow through and external circuit, generating electricity. Depending on how they are used, they can either produce electricity from a chemical reaction (i.e., release electrons) or store electricity as a chemical compound (capture electrons) for later use, making them essential players in the future of energy. In other words, they can either act as fuel cells (FC mode), producing electricity from e.g. hydrogen (H₂) or methane (CH₄), or function as electrolysers (EC mode) to generate hydrogen by using electricity.
Why is hydrogen such a big deal?
Green hydrogen can be produced via EC using renewable energy (green power), instead of relying on its current fossil-based production; it can then be stored and transported and, unlike wind or solar, deliver electricity via FC in off-grid situations. Therefore, hydrogen is set to play a huge role in powering industries, transportation, and even chemical production (like ammonia and methanol) through the so-called power-to-X conversion technologies. Unlike conventional batteries, storing renewable energy as hydrogen offers higher energy density, a longer lifespan, and greater flexibility, making it a game-changer for the clean energy revolution.
Electrolysers & Fuel Cells: Functionality & Future Directions
When it comes to producing electricity or hydrogen, there are four main types of electrochemical devices:
1) Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) cells
2) Anion-exchange membrane (AEM) cells
3) Alkaline (AL) cells
4) Solid oxide cells (SOC).
In addition, bioelectrochemical systems (BES) harness the catalytic power of microorganisms to generate valuable fuels and energy. Each type has unique features, from the materials used in their electrodes and electrolytes to their operating conditions. Some are already widely used and commercially available, while others are still under development and being refined to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Right now, researchers are working hard to make these technologies better, more durable, and more affordable. In PEM cells, the goal is to replace expensive platinum and iridium catalysts with cheaper alternatives while improving membrane stability. AEM technology is evolving with new polymer membranes that enhance conductivity and extend lifespan. For AL cells, scientists are optimizing electrode materials to slow down degradation and improve hydrogen production. Meanwhile, SOC research is focused on lowering operating temperatures, exploring materials with tailored structural and chemical compositions, and developing protonic ceramic cells (PCCs). As for BES, the priority is to improve electron transfer efficiency (from microorganisms to current collectors) and minimize internal resistance, aiming to boost performance and transition from experimental setups to large-scale industrial applications.
Researchers are also improving the design of cell stacks, which consist of individual cells (anode|electrolyte|cathode) arranged in series to increase the overall voltage and production capacity. They are finding smarter ways to control and optimize their operation while ensuring smooth integration with systems like renewable (intermittent) energy sources, storage solutions, and power management systems. On top of that, exciting innovations like hybrid and reversible cell designs (which switch between electrolysis and fuel cell modes), along with AI-driven optimization of cell components and performance predictions, are making these technologies more viable for large-scale energy applications. The future of clean energy is taking shape—and electrochemical devices are set to play a major role in it!
Main properties and operating conditions
|
Feature |
PEM |
AEM |
AL |
SOC |
BES |
|
Electrolyte |
Solid polymer membrane |
Solid polymer membrane |
Liquid KOH or NaOH |
Solid oxide ceramic (YSZ) |
Buffered solution |
|
Charge carrier |
Protons (H+) |
Hydroxide ions (OH-) |
Hydroxide ions (OH-) |
Oxygen ions (O2-) |
Protons (H+) |
|
Electrocatalyst |
Platinum-group metals (Pt, Ir Ru) |
Non-precious metals (Ni, Fe, Co) |
Nickel-based materials |
Ni, Perovskite oxides |
Microbial biocatalysts |
|
Operating temperature |
50-80 ºC |
60-90 ºC |
70-90 ºC |
600–900 ºC |
20-40 ºC |
|
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) |
8-9 (fully industrialized) |
3-6 (no commercial applications) |
8-9 (fully industrialized) |
6-8 (pilot/pre-commercial stage) |
1-5 (no commercial applications) |
|
Advantages |
High efficiency (70-85%), fast response |
Low cost, reduced corrosion |
Mature, cost-effective |
Highest efficiency (80-90%), fuel flexibility |
Sustainable, can use waste as fuel |
|
Disadvantages |
Expensive catalysts, sensitive to water impurities |
Low maturity, low efficiency (60-80%) |
Low efficiency (60-70%), gas crossover, corrosion |
Rapid material degradation, slow startup times |
Low power output, slow kinetics |
|
Applications |
Transportation, aerospace |
Small-/medium-scale processes |
Industrial/large-scale processes |
Stationary energy, Power-to-X, CHP system |
Wastewater treatment, biosensors, bioremediation |
EU Funding Opportunities
If you are working on electrolysers or fuel cells, there is good news. The European Union offers several funding programs to support research and innovation in low-carbon technologies at different Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). One of the biggest programmes is Horizon Europe, which funds projects tackling climate challenges, clean energy, and sustainable mobility (Pillar II, Cluster 5). The 2025-2026 work programme (not yet released) is expected to support Research and Innovation Actions (RIA, TRL 3-6) and Innovation Actions (IA, TRL 5-8) with flexible budgets. It will cover topics like renewable fuel production of non-biological origin, integration of renewable technologies into industrial processes, and the use of fuel cells for electrification of the maritime sector, among others.
Horizon Europe Opportunities
Within the Horizon Europe, there are Joint Undertakings or Partnerships that follow similar funding rules. The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP) typically releases calls for proposals annually, aiming to advance zero-emission power tech, storage solutions, and renewable fuels. Relevant topics for electrolysers and fuel cells appear in Call Modules 2, 3, and 4, with both RIA and IA projects (TRL 4-8). The 2025 call (not yet released) is expected to have the first deadline for a two-stage proposal application process in November.
Another major partnership within the Horizon Europe umbrella is the Clean Hydrogen Partnership (CHP), which also releases calls annually. It focuses on renewable hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and end-use applications (like transport, heat, and power). Some of its key challenges include developing low- or free-PGM (Platinum Group Metals) catalysts, reducing reliance on critical raw materials, and improving the durability and performance of electrolysers and fuel cells. The 2025 call is already out (HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025), offering a total budget of €184.5 million, with the proposal submission deadline set for April 23. Some of the most relevant topics for electrolyser and fuel cell projects are listed below.
Renewable H2 production:
-
Improvements in lifetime and cost of low temperature electrolysers by introducing advanced materials and components in stacks and balance of plant (RIA; 1 project; 4M€).
-
Improved lifetime and cost of high-temperature electrolysers by introducing innovative materials and components in stacks and BoP (RIA; 2 projects; 4M€ each).
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Scale-up and Optimisation of manufacturing processes for electrolyser materials, cells, or stacks (RIA; 2 projects; 4M€ each).
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Efficient electrolysis coupling with variable renewable electricity and/or heat integration (IA; 1 project; 6M€).
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Innovative co-electrolysis systems and integration with downstream processes (RIA; 1 project; 4M€).
-
Innovative hydrogen and solid carbon production from renewable gases/biogenic waste processes (IA; 1 project; 8M€).
H2 end uses:
-
Configurable Fuel Cell Powertrain for Non-Road Mobile Machinery (RIA, 1 project, 5M€).
-
Scalable innovative processes for the production of PEMFC MEAs (RIA, 1 project, 5M€).
-
Reliable, efficient, scalable and lower cost 1 MW-scale PEMFC system for maritime applications (RIA, 1 project, 7M€).
-
Demonstration of stationary fuel cells in renewable energy communities (IA, 1 project, 5M€).
Cross-cutting issues:
-
Simultaneous ionomer and iridium recycling (RIA, 1 project, 3.5M€).
-
Understanding emissions of PFAS from electrolysers and/or fuel cells under product use (RIA, 1 project, 2M€).
How to Apply for Funding: A Strategic Guide
Thinking about applying for EU funding to support your fuel cell or electrolyser project? Great! But before you dive in, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First, you need to form a consortium which means at least three legal entities (public or private) from different EU Member States or Associated Countries. Once you have your team, your proposal needs to be structured around three main pillars:
1. Excellence – Show why your project stands out
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Objectives & ambition: Set clear, measurable goals and explain how your project goes beyond the current state of the art.
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Methodology: Outline your high-level strategy, demonstrating feasibility and an interdisciplinary approach.
2. Impact – Prove your project will make a difference
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Pathways: Lay out a realistic roadmap to achieve meaningful results.
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Dissemination & exploitation: Explain how you’ll share results, engage stakeholders, and ensure your innovations make an impact beyond the project’s duration.
3. Implementation – Show your project is well-planned and feasible
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Work plan & resources: Break down activities, tasks, key milestones, and deliverables.
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Consortium expertise: Highlight why your team is the best fit, showcasing expertise, roles, and synergies.
Nordic Innovators can help you navigate the application process and boost your chances of success by:
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Leading the preparation and submission of a high-quality application.
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Handling all the technical and financial documentation required.
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Working closely with you to deliver a strong, compelling proposal—on time.
We can help you turn your innovative ideas into reality!
Contact Dr. Félix Urbain: feu@nordicinnovators.dk or Eduardo Poggio Fraccari, PhD:
