Affiliated Research Group:
Key Researcher(s):
Dr. Mohamad Shamsuddin Qamar
Dr. Muhammad Aurang Zeb Sial
Dr. Umair Alam
Dr. Zahid Bhat
Dr. Zain Yamani
The global transition toward sustainable energy relies heavily on the efficient production of green hydrogen, a key component of decarbonization strategies. Researchers at KFUPM’s Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management developed an advanced water electrolysis process, significantly reducing the cost of producing clean hydrogen (H₂). One of the major challenges in water electrolysis is the efficiency of converting electrical energy into chemical energy, which largely depends on the stability and cost-effectiveness of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. By optimizing electrode synthesis, the research team created a low-cost, high-efficiency electrode that is cheaper than current benchmarks while maintaining stability and effectiveness.
KFUPM is committed to work on reducing the cost of electrolyzer stacks by 50% by 2030, making green hydrogen more economically viable. The development of these advanced electrodes could lead to a 90% reduction in PEM electrode costs, translating to a 40% reduction in overall electrolyzer stack expenses. This technological leap will enhance PEM electrolyzers, enabling cheaper, more compact, and higher-rate green hydrogen production, ultimately driving global adoption of renewable hydrogen energy. The implications of this cost reduction extend beyond energy production—transforming multiple sectors, including transportation, industry, and agriculture by promoting energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and accelerating the shift to sustainable energy systems.
Through our commitment to sustainable development, this project aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):