An electrolyzer uses electricity to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen—a key technology for a climate-neutral energy future. The NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP offers highly efficient PEM electrolyzers for decentralized and industrial use. Our modular systems are scalable from small applications to multi-MW plants for green hydrogen production.
In water electrolysis, electrical energy is used to split water molecules (H2O) into their components: H2 as the main product and O2 as a by-product.
In addition to the stacks in which the electrochemical process is implemented, the electrolysis system contains all the necessary components and subsystems to guarantee an optimized process. Particular attention is paid to process water treatment, heat management and power supply. The gas treatment completes the system and guarantees the ambitious product qualities. The fully automated and self-protecting system is known as the Balance of Plant (BoP) and is divided into the following components:
| Criterion | PEM Electrolyzer | Alkaline Electrolyzer |
|---|---|---|
| Start-up time | Seconds | Minutes |
| Operating pressure | up to 30 bar | up to 10 bar |
| Hydrogen purity | up to 99.999% | approx. 99.5% |
| Modulation capability | very high | limited |
| Stack lifetime | approx. 60,000 operating hours | approx. 30,000 operating hours |
| Scalability | modular and flexible | requires larger systems |
Two main electrolyzer technologies are currently used in the industry. The first is alkaline electrolysis (ALK), in which a liquid electrolyte (potassium or sodium hydroxide) is used as the starting material. And secondly, polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers (PEM), which are fed with ultrapure water. PEM electrolysis offers the advantage of a high-purity process gas and flexible operation. PEM electrolyzers are therefore particularly preferred in connection with volatile, renewable energy systems.
In the context of the EU's decarbonization targets, on-site production of hydrogen by electrolysis from renewable energy sources is an attractive sustainable solution. The use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier enables the storage of large amounts of energy over longer periods of time. It can also play an important role in stabilizing the electricity grid if the share of highly fluctuating energy sources such as wind and photovoltaics in electricity generation increases. If electricity is used exclusively from renewable energy sources during production, the resulting hydrogen is described as "green" and emission-free.
Hydrogen Production per Module (PEM): 200 – 1,000 Nm³/h
Hydrogen Purity: 99.9% – 99.999% | 3.0 to 5.0
Nominal Discharge Pressure: 10 – 30 bar(g)
Power Consumption per Module: 1 – 5 MW
An electrolyzer splits water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using electrical energy. In a PEM electrolyzer, this is achieved using a polymer electrolyte membrane, which enables a particularly efficient, compact, and fast reaction. This makes this technology ideal for producing green hydrogen from renewable energy sources.
NEA | HYTRON PEM electrolysers supply hydrogen with a purity of 99.9% to 99.999% (3.0 to 5.0). This makes it ideal for applications in industry, mobility and energy generation. Integrated gas treatment and analysis ensures consistently high quality.
Our electrolyzer systems are modular and scalable. One module can produce between 200 and 1,000 Nm³ of hydrogen per hour – at a nominal pressure of 10 to 30 bar. The electrical power consumption ranges from 50 kW to 5 MW per module, depending on the design and application.
A pioneering hydrogen project has been implemented in Heinsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia: H2HS. At its heart is a 2 MW PEM electrolyzer from the NEA Group, which produces around 70 tons of green hydrogen annually. The energy comes entirely from regional renewable sources. The hydrogen produced is used directly on site at a public filling station – among other things to supply a fleet of fuel cell buses.
The project exemplifies how scalable electrolysis systems contribute to regional value creation and provide an integrated solution for climate-neutral mobility. The entire plant—from electrolysis to gas processing to compression—comes from a single source.
