Nordex Electrolyzers, a collaboration between the Government of Navarra and the Nordex Group, recently inaugurated a new test bench at its Lumbier plant.
This event, attended by key regional officials, showcased the company’s first in-house developed 500-kW pressurized alkaline electrolyzer.
The 500-kW prototype represents a critical step in Nordex Electrolyzers’ business development plan, which aims to finalize a serializable MW-scale product by 2026. The prototype can produce over 10 kg of hydrogen per hour, with an energy consumption rate of less than 50 kWh per kilogram. Designed to handle power fluctuations and frequent stops, the electrolyzer is tailored to integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources.
This development follows the company’s successful testing of a 50-kW prototype, which has been operational since 2023 in Puertollano, Ciudad Real. The promising results from this initial phase have set the stage for the larger 500-kW prototype, which will undergo validation at the new Lumbier facility.
Nordex Group’s extensive experience as a global wind turbine manufacturer provides significant competitive advantages for Nordex Electrolyzers. The integration of hydrogen production into Nordex Group’s value chain leverages synergies across manufacturing, allowing for cost efficiencies and innovation in electrolyzer technology.
Luis Solla, CEO of Nordex Electrolyzers, emphasized the company’s commitment to high-quality and efficient electrolyzers, highlighting the focus on sustainability and the transition to a clean energy economy. This commitment aligns with broader industry trends, where the push for green hydrogen production is becoming a central pillar in global decarbonization efforts.
The President of Navarra, María Chivite, lauded the industrial milestone, noting its alignment with the region’s strategic priorities in renewable energy and green hydrogen. Navarra’s historical leadership in renewable energy positions it well to capitalize on this development, fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation and sustainable growth.
Mikel Irujo, Minister for Industry, Ecological Transition, and Business Digitalization, underscored the critical role of financial support from Sodena, Navarra’s regional development agency. Sodena’s 15% stake in Nordex Electrolyzers, combined with funding from the European Commission’s IPCEI Hy2Tech program, underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing strategic and pioneering projects.
When compared to industry benchmarks, Nordex Electrolyzers’ achievements are significant but not without challenges. The energy consumption rate of less than 50 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen is competitive, yet ongoing improvements in efficiency and scalability are essential to meet industry standards and reduce costs further.
Globally, companies like ITM Power and Nel Hydrogen are also making strides in electrolyzer technology, with capacities reaching up to several MW. Nordex Electrolyzers’ goal to scale up to MW-scale products by 2026 is ambitious but necessary to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
