CEP-4GH: Integrated Concentrated-Photovoltaic, Hybrid Energy Storage Unit, and PEM Electrolyser for Stable and Efficient Green Hydrogen Production under Sunlight Fluctuations

The transition to a net-zero energy system requires green hydrogen (GH) that is reliable, affordable, and scalable. Current solar-driven electrolysers suffer from two barriers: unstable output under fluctuating sunlight and high costs, which hinder deployment. Overcoming these challenges is vital to the EU Hydrogen Strategy target of GH at ~€2/kg by 2030. CEP-4GH will deliver the first fully integrated concentrated-photovoltaic (CPV), hybrid energy storage unit (ESU), and proton exchange membrane water electrolyser (PEMWE) for stable and durable GH production. Its compact back-to-back architecture directly couples CPV, ESU, and PEMWE, while the ESU uniquely combines electrical (EES) and thermal (TES) storage to buffer sunlight intermittency. The TES, enhanced with nano-phase change materials (NePCM) and advanced foam fin designs, stabilises hydrogen generation, extends stack lifetime, and reduces cost. The project is structured into four work packages: WP1 designs and simulates the CEP-4GH system; WP2 fabricates and tests the NePCM-based TES; WP3 integrates and validates a 100 W prototype targeting >25% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and <0.25%/1000h degradation; WP4 assesses techno-economic viability and scalability. The Fellow contributes expertise in CFD modelling of the integrated system, as well as the fabrication of NePCM compositions, complemented by the University of Birmingham’s world-class strengths in hydrogen technologies (PEMWE), TES development, and system integration. Through two-way knowledge exchange, CEP-4GH (the integrated system) will deliver validated prototypes, benchmark datasets, and clear industrial exploitation pathways. By stabilising hydrogen production and lowering costs, the project will directly strengthen Europe’s leadership in sustainable GH and accelerate progress towards EU decarbonisation goals.