Ecoclean and the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) have expanded their cooperation. Following the EcoLyzer system, the partners are now focusing on the series production of electrolysis stacks. These form the core of alkaline pressure electrolysis plants and determine the efficiency of hydrogen production.
The cooperation between ZSW and Ecoclean began in early 2022 within the joint project "EcoLyzer BW". The goal was to develop an internationally competitive electrolysis system for green hydrogen production. The result: EcoLyzer – a modular concept for cost-effective electrolysis plants with 1 to 20 MW system capacity. After developing the EcoLyzer system, both partners now want to expand their collaboration and focus on the commercial series production of electrolysis stacks. Ecoclean has been producing AEL plants in series since early 2024.
Efficiency Determines Hydrogen Production Costs
The electrolysis stack decisively influences the efficiency of the entire system. Manfred Hermanns, Director Sales & Customer Services at Ecoclean, explains the connection: "The more efficiently the stack operates, the more hydrogen is produced from the electricity used." Since hydrogen production costs depend approximately 80 percent on electricity prices, the stack's efficiency largely determines the hydrogen price. Automated stack production is intended to further improve cost efficiency.
The stacks consist of numerous series-connected individual cells and additional components. Ecoclean intends to leverage its expertise in automating complex manufacturing processes to achieve low production costs while maintaining high quality standards.
German Supply Chains as Sales Argument
However, production costs are not the only important factor for customers, according to the published press release. The production location is also gaining importance in the current geopolitical situation. Customers are increasingly asking about component origin and the systems' ecological footprint, according to Ecoclean. "Engineered and made in Germany" are becoming important sales arguments according to the company. Additionally, industrial companies, municipalities, and energy suppliers often require European products for subsidized projects. The manufacturer of EcoLyzer systems states it already relies entirely on a European supply chain without critical dependencies for producing alkaline electrolyzers.
The EcoLyzer technology is based on AEL system technology developed by ZSW. The research center has been continuously optimizing the process for a decade. Alkaline electrolysis is industrially established and scores with low investment costs compared to other electrolysis methods. Moreover, the technology requires no resource-critical raw materials: rare earth elements and precious metals are not needed for hydrogen production. This reduces dependence on critical supply chains and lowers material costs.
ZSW contributes scientific expertise while Ecoclean handles automation and series production of the electrolyzers. With the combination of research competence and production experience, the cooperation partners aim to strengthen the market position of German hydrogen technology.
