Naturgy and the Canary Islands Technological Institute (ITC), a public research center, are testing a new technology for green hydrogen production. The aim is to trial a 2 kW electrolyzer prototype to evaluate its design and compare its performance with current commercial systems. This project aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs by using fewer scarce materials like noble metals, and develop a technology that can quickly adapt to renewable energy sources.
Anion Exchange Membrane Technology
The technology, called Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM), is developed by Sungreen, a Singapore-based startup. Naturgy has been collaborating with Sungreen and ITC since September 2022. They plan to start a second phase of testing in early 2025 with a 50 kW electrolyzer on Gran Canaria, improving upon the 2 kW prototype currently in use.
Importance of the Project
Jesús Chapado, head of Innovation at Naturgy, highlighted that this project aims to make green hydrogen more accessible and drive its development at lower costs. Gonzalo Piernavieja from ITC emphasized their commitment to integrating renewable energy sources effectively.
Canary Islands as a Green Tech Hub
The ITC fosters regional economic competitiveness through knowledge and technological innovation. It specializes in strategic sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable technology, using the Canary Islands’ unique conditions as a natural laboratory for ecological transition and resource utilization.
