Hydrogen is crucial in the search for future energy sources that reduce CO2 emissions while ensuring a stable supply. The “Neo-PEC” project aims to develop a tandem module capable of producing green hydrogen in a clean and cost-effective way, facilitating a decentralized hydrogen supply that can be transported based on demand. The module will use Photo Electro-Catalytic (PEC) water splitting to directly separate water into hydrogen and oxygen without the need for expensive electrolyzers, making the system scalable.

For the three-year “Neo-PEC” project, a budget of 3.4 million euros has been allocated to partners Fraunhofer IKTS, IST, and CSP under the Fraunhofer internal funding program PREPARE. The project’s objective is to create a one-square-meter demonstrator with significantly improved efficiency compared to the current standard of 0.4%. The modular design will support the large surface areas needed for decentralized hydrogen production and transport.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) is developing powder and thick-film materials for the photoactive semiconducting layer. The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films (IST) applies its expertise in coating semiconductor absorbers using physical vapor deposition (PVD), incorporating materials developed at IKTS. In addition, IST adapts transparent and conductive contacts for the tandem cells. The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP) is responsible for designing, producing, and evaluating scalable tandem cell modules. A consulting group with industry and science representatives accompanies the project.

The “Neo-PEC” project runs from 2020 to 2023, aiming to develop a tandem module for green hydrogen production.

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