Novel nano coating process to empower the green hydrogen revolution

Project Information

Naco Tech

Grant agreement ID: 190103720

DOI

10.3030/190103720

Project closed

EC signature date 14 July 2023

Start date 1 August 2023

End date 31 January 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 333 750,00

EU contribution

€ 2 333 625,00

Coordinated by

SIA NACO TECHNOLOGIES
Latvia

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Naco Tech (Novel nano coating process to empower the green hydrogen revolution)

Reporting period: 2023-08-01 to 2024-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The Naco Tech project plays a key role in the European Union's Green Deal, specifically addressing the need for sustainable energy through hydrogen production. Green hydrogen, a zero-emission energy source, is central to Europe's future energy strategy, with a goal of reaching 14% of power generation by 2050. However, the cost of catalysts, particularly iridium used in PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells and electrolyzers, is a significant barrier. This project aims to tackle the high costs and inefficiencies in production by focusing on the development of advanced catalyst coating technologies that reduce iridium and platinum use, thus making hydrogen energy more viable for mass production. By enhancing production processes and reducing costs, Naco Tech is expected to accelerate the scaling of hydrogen technologies, contributing to the broader goal of achieving 500 GW hydrogen capacity by 2050.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first year, the Naco Tech project made substantial progress. Significant strides were made in reducing the iridium content of catalysts, which led to a tenfold decrease without sacrificing performance, a major breakthrough confirmed through independent validation. The establishment of an advanced laboratory for testing these new catalyst-coated membranes provided the necessary infrastructure for continued development. In parallel, the project has strengthened its market positioning by securing new contracts and forming partnerships with key players in the hydrogen sector, ensuring future commercial opportunities. Moreover, the project maintained tight control over its project management processes, staying on schedule with deliverables and risk assessments.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project has already produced groundbreaking results by pushing beyond existing technological limits in hydrogen fuel cell production. The most significant outcome is the successful reduction in iridium usage, which is critical for scaling up PEM technology to meet future global demand. Additionally, new methods for catalyst production, such as advanced high-speed magnetron sputtering, have the potential to transform the way hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers are manufactured. These innovations not only address current industry challenges but also position Naco Tech to lead the market as the demand for green hydrogen grows. Further research and development will focus on optimizing these technologies for commercial use, while continuing to build partnerships and access new markets.

Unveiling of the new electrochemical laboratory

High-speed magnetron sputtering equipment