Smoltek Nanotech Holding AB’s subsidiary, Smoltek Hydrogen, has officially opened its state-of-the-art hydrogen laboratory.
Located at Smoltek’s new headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, the laboratory, known as H2LAB, is equipped with advanced instruments and tools for performance measurement, long-term testing of electrolyzer cells, and the in-house manufacturing of test cells. The establishment of this facility marks a significant milestone in the development of Smoltek’s disruptive cell material, which aims to minimize the use of iridium, a crucial component in PEM electrolyzers, in the production of green hydrogen.
The utilization of green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source is gaining traction worldwide. With a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions and achieving a fossil-free future, the development of efficient and cost-effective electrolyzers is of paramount importance. Smoltek Hydrogen’s groundbreaking technology aims to significantly reduce the reliance on iridium, a rare and expensive metal used in conventional electrolyzers. By optimizing the design and performance of the electrolyzer cells, Smoltek Hydrogen aims to achieve the production of large quantities of green hydrogen with minimal iridium usage.
According to Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of Smoltek Hydrogen, the company has already demonstrated promising results in external laboratories, achieving the desired performance with only 0.5 mg iridium/cm2. The ultimate goal is to reduce this figure further to just 0.1 mg iridium/cm2, a significant improvement compared to the industry’s target of 0.8 mg iridium/cm2 by 2030. If successful, Smoltek’s technology could potentially save around 5 tons of iridium annually, resulting in substantial cost savings and contributing to a more sustainable and economically viable green hydrogen production process.
The establishment of H2LAB provides Smoltek Hydrogen with a dedicated space for research and development, enabling the company to conduct comprehensive performance measurements and long-term tests on electrolyzer cells. Additionally, the laboratory’s in-house production capabilities for test cells will expedite the evaluation of different concepts for volume production. This strategic investment in research infrastructure signifies Smoltek’s commitment to advancing the field of green hydrogen technology and fostering innovation in the pursuit of a cleaner and greener future.
The opening ceremony of H2LAB on May 26 was attended by Ellinor Ehrnberg and Per Zellman, the newly appointed Chairman of Smoltek’s board. The laboratory’s inauguration marks a significant milestone for Smoltek Hydrogen and highlights the company’s dedication to revolutionizing the green hydrogen industry through cutting-edge research, development, and collaboration.
