PEACE & EXOSTHyC Knowledge Sharing SessionPrecious exchange of alkaline electrolysis know-how

On 24 September 2026, the PEACE project organised an online knowledge-sharing session with EXSOTHyC, bringing together two Horizon Europe research projects working on different approaches to advancing alkaline water electrolysis (AWE).

The session provided a valuable project-to-project (P2P) exchange and an opportunity to share knowledge, research results and perspectives relevant to the development of the European hydrogen ecosystem.

Different approaches, one goal

Although PEACE and EXSOTHyC address alkaline electrolysis from different angles, both projects aim to contribute to more efficient hydrogen production and lower the levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH).

·       The PEACE approach focuses on high-efficiency stack development, including the qualification and development of stack components, combined with an innovative dual-stage pressurisation concept. The technology aims to enable the direct production of pressurised hydrogen at pressures above 50 bar, helping to reduce the need for downstream hydrogen compression.

·       EXSOTHyC, meanwhile, focuses on improving electrolyser efficiency through new anode and cathode approaches and innovative membrane concepts, bringing these developments together in an advanced cell design aimed at achieving lower operating voltages and higher efficiency.

Thus, while the technological routes differ, both projects address key challenges in making alkaline electrolysis more efficient and economically attractive.

A shared research foundation

There is also a direct link between the two projects through the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Its excellence in AWE cell research forms an important part of both PEACE and EXSOTHyC, providing a natural connection between the projects and their respective research activities.

Discussing results and perspectives

The online session featured a series of thematic presentations and discsussions from both projects.

Representing PEACE, Dirk Ullmer (German Aerospace Center/DLR) presented the project's work on electrochemical testing campaigns, while Paolo Lupotto (Materials Mates Italia/MMI) explained the PEACE approach to developing a high-pressure alkaline electrolysis stack.

From EXSOTHyC, Elo Meier (Stargate Hydrogen), project coordinator, introduced the project's overall philosophy. Thijs de Groot (Eindhoven University of Technology/TU/e) then presented insights from research on shunt (reverse) currents in alkaline electrolysis, addressing their effects and relevance for electrolyser operation.

As both projects approach their final stages in 2026, such exchanges are particularly valuable for sharing project results, lessons learned and perspectives on the further development and uptake of the technologies beyond the projects' lifetimes.