Canadian company Cipher Neutron Inc. has been awarded an advanced contract award notification (ACAN) to design and construct two 250-kW electrolyzer stacks for Simon Fraser University (SFU). This landmark project, slated to begin in Q4 2024, signifies a major step forward in green H₂ technology and its applications in academic and research settings. The partnership between Cipher Neutron and SFU aims to propel forward-thinking research and innovation in sustainable energy solutions, leveraging Cipher Neutron's cutting-edge anionic exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer technology.

SFU clean H₂ hub. The project involves the development and deployment of a state-of-the-art 0.5 MW AEM electrolyzer, custom-designed to meet the rigorous research and operational needs of Simon Fraser University. One goal of SFU’s H₂ Hub is to build an AEM water electrolyzer using novel fluorine-free polymer membranes developed by Ionomr Innovations. This research initiative will de-risk scalable, next-gen H₂ production technology. AEM technology is anticipated to reduce green H₂ production costs while maintaining high performance and stability. The project will investigate and validate the AEM technology at the 250 kW−1 MW scale, which is a critical design window that enables scaling cost advantages for green H₂ generation.

This initiative underscores Cipher Neutron’s commitment to fostering sustainable technologies and supporting academic institutions.

The electrolyzer stacks, with their high efficiency and robustness, will be instrumental in SFU’s ongoing research into H₂ production, storage, and utilization. Cipher Neutron’s proprietary AEM technology will provide a significant advantage, ensuring high purity H₂ generation with superior energy efficiency.

The implementation of Cipher Neutron’s AEM electrolyzer technology at Simon Fraser University is expected to have a significant impact on the field of renewable energy research. Together, SFU and Cipher Neutron will collaborate to explore advanced AEM electrolyzer technologies to enable scaling of low-cost green H₂ production and foster innovation in the H₂ sector.

Gurjant Randhawa, President & CEO of Cipher Neutron, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Simon Fraser University on this transformative project. Winning the ACAN is a testament to our innovative capabilities and the trust placed in us by such a prestigious institution. This partnership not only aligns with our mission to advance green H₂ solutions but also reinforces our role as leaders in the renewable energy sector.”

Laura Sloboda, Operations Director, Clean H₂ Hub of SFU, said, “As a leading research university and trusted innovation partner, Simon Fraser University is excited to collaborate with Cipher Neutron to advance the scalability of AEM electrolyzers with this innovative 250-kW single-stack project. This initiative will help us advance the Canadian innovation ecosystem while developing the capacity needed to reach net-zero targets."