Norwegian fertiliser manufacturer Yara has joined an electrolyser pilot project aimed at demonstrating an ultra-high-efficiency proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) technology developed by Oslo-based Hystar.

The project, called Hypilot, will involve 10,000 hours of field tests of a 1MW containerised electrolyser that will produce 500kg/d of green hydrogen.

Hystar says the “unrivalled” efficiencies achieved by its technology mark a key step in making green hydrogen production cheaper. Compared with conventional PEM electrolysers, the membrane in Hystar’s patented design is significantly thinner, providing better efficiency due to lower resistance.

Yara’s participation will focus on the potential to produce green ammonia.

500kg/d – Planned output of electrolyser

“We look forward to collaborating with Hystar and studying the results of the 1MW pilot electrolyser project,” says Lise Winther, senior vice-president for upstream projects & technologies at Yara Clean Ammonia. “The knowledge we gain from the Hypilot project will give valuable input to our work in developing green ammonia for fertilisers, deep-sea shipping and power production.”

Norwegian energy company Equinor and gas pipeline network operator Gassco are already involved in the project, which is due to start up in the second half of 2023 at Equinor’s K-lab facilities, close to the Karsto processing plant operated by Gassco.

The project received NOK38mn ($4.25mn) earlier this year from Norwegian state climate fund Enova to demonstrate its containerised electrolyser technology.

Hystar was spun off from Norwegian research organisation Sintef. The firm raised NOK50mn last year to support further commercialisation of its technology.

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Author: Stuart Penson