Friday 1 July 2022

Rolls-Royce buys into electrolysis stack maker and enters hydrogen production market

Rolls-Royce has acquired a 54% stake in a German electrolysis stack specialist and entered the hydrogen production market.

Hoeller Electrolyzer's innovative technology will form the basis of a new range of electrolyser products from Rolls-Royce's Power Systems division.

Based in Wismar, Hoeller Electrolyzer is an early-stage technology company that is developing highly-efficient polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) stacks, under the brand Prometheus, for the cost-effective production of hydrogen.

Dr. Otto Preiss, COO and Chief Technology Officer, Rolls-Royce Power Systems said: “By developing our own mtu electrolysers and by taking a majority stake in Hoeller Electrolyzers, we are methodically growing our hydrogen portfolio and securing access to this fascinating technology, which is not a pipe dream but has great market potential.

“This will enable us to supply complete hydrogen solutions and make a significant contribution to protecting the climate. Our complete hydrogen solutions will enable customers to store renewably-produced energy in the form of hydrogen for use as and when required or for further processing or onward sale.”

Development work on the first mtu electrolyser using a stack from Hoeller Electrolyzer is already underway.

In 2023, it will go into operation at the Validation Centre in Friedrichshafen to demonstrate how an electrolyser fits into the overall architecture of a microgrid.

Stefan Höller, Managing Director, Hoeller Electrolyzer added: “Our stack is going to produce hydrogen at a price not previously thought possible.”