Edison’s forgotten technology is transforming the world green.
Discover how a century-old Edison invention is reborn to power a revolution in green hydrogen production. The revolutionary technology behind Battolysers could change our approach to sustainable energy.
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The rebirth of a forgotten technology
More than a hundred years ago, Thomas Edison patented a nickel-iron battery, initially designed for electric vehicles. This invention, although eclipsed by gasoline engines, is making a spectacular comeback thanks to researchers at the University of Delft who have transformed it into a future solution for the production of green hydrogen.
This exceptional discovery competes with nuclear fusion and promises a radical change for the energy production of the future
How the Battolyser works
The Battolyser, a fusion of a battery and an electrolyser, uses the same nickel-iron electrodes as those designed by Edison. Coupled with an alkaline electrolysis system currently on the market, this device can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. Its great innovation lies in its ability to store energy and produce hydrogen without emissions when fully charged.
Remarkable efficiency
The Battolyser promises 85% efficiency, outperforming similar technologies thanks to lower costs and pressurized hydrogen production. This performance is made possible by the use of abundant and inexpensive materials, potentially increasing its adoption on a large scale.
The multiple advantages of the system
The energy production and storage unit is not only efficient but also economical, thanks to its durable components having a longevity of 20 to 30 years. As well as producing hydrogen, the system can also function as a renewable energy storage hub, with the ability to sell energy back to the grid during peak prices.
The potential impact on the European energy mix
With hydrogen accounting for less than 2% of Europe’s energy mix in 2022, the introduction of Battolyser could play a key role in increasing green hydrogen production. This is all the more crucial as 96% of the hydrogen used so far comes from natural gas, a carbon-emitting source.
Deployment and future prospects
Battolyser Systems plans to demonstrate the viability of its product with a 2.5 MW module as early as next year, followed by a 5 MW system in the second quarter of 2025. By the end of 2026, the company plans large-scale installations, possibly up to 500 MW, which will mark a turning point in the adoption of green hydrogen in Europe.
It is the deposit containing the largest reserve of lithium in the world: 40 million tonnes at least.
This article explores how a technology designed a century ago by Thomas Edison is being brought up to date to revolutionize the production of green hydrogen. Thanks to the ingenuity of researchers at the University of Delft, Battolysers may well be the key to a sustainable, emissions-free energy future.
Source : Battolyser Systems
