TRLUP– Towards Net-Zero Emissions: Catalyzing Low-Cost Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition, offering a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels for sectors like heavy industry and transport. However, its adoption remains limited due to high production costs—typically $4–6 per kilogram compared to $1–2 for fossil-based hydrogen. Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water using an electrolyzer powered by renewable electricity. Within these systems, electrodes are the core components where hydrogen is generated.
A major contributor to the high cost is the use of scarce, expensive materials like iridium, along with complex, multi-step electrode fabrication processes that are difficult to scale. These challenges drive up both capital (CAPEX) and operational (OPEX) costs, limiting large-scale deployment.
Our innovation addresses these barriers through a scalable, low-cost, two-step method that produces 3D micro/nano-structured nickel-based electrodes using abundant materials. The engineered architecture significantly boosts catalytic efficiency, reduces energy use by up to 40%, and cuts CAPEX and OPEX by at least 20%, making green hydrogen more affordable and commercially viable.
Our prototype has already been validated under semi-pilot lab conditions using advanced testing methods, confirming its superior performance and durability compared to commercial benchmarks.
This Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL^) program will focus on developing a minimum viable product (MVP) by scaling the electrode size and integrating it into small-scale electrolyzer cells that simulate real industrial environments. These full-cell tests, conducted at CNETE’s research facilities, will assess system compatibility, durability, and reproducibility under continuous operation.
We will also engage with industry collaborators like Thyssenkrupp Nucera to gather performance feedback, guide integration planning, and define a commercialization roadmap. The project will advance the technology’s readiness level and accelerate its path toward market adoption, supporting Canada’s leadership in clean hydrogen innovation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chantal Piché

Student:

Partner:

V1 Studio

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Clean Technology; Green/Alternative Energy; Advanced Manufacturing

University:

Cégep de Thetford

Program: