SoCalGas has partnered with H2U Technologies to conduct demonstration testing of a new, less expensive type of PEM electrolyzer.

According to early analysis by H2U Technologies, the cost target of the new technology is half that of current PEM electrolyzers and total cost of ownership over its life is expected to be 75% less. The announcement follows SoCalGas’ recent commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its operations and delivery of energy by 2045 and to invest in initiatives to decarbonize, diversify, and digitalize its business.  

H2U Technology’s new electrolyzer, called the Gramme 50, is designed to be built in 200-kW blocks that can be stacked to produce as much as 80 kg of green hydrogen per day, which could power up to 80 homes per day in a microgrid. The blocks can be manufactured in large numbers and added at any time to match hydrogen demand.

SoCalGas’ work with H2U Technologies is part of the utility’s Research, Development and Demonstration program, which collaborates with industry experts to identify, develop, test, and commercialize transformational new energy technologies designed to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, maintain energy affordability, and advance the safety and reliability of California’s energy delivery systems.  

The partnership will also include validation studies on the performance of new non-precious metal catalysts, materials used in very small quantities to initiate and accelerate the chemical process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. In addition, the proposed research will include testing methods and materials that could reduce production costs and rapidly advance scale-up of manufacturing.