Yara Tests Hystar’s PEM Electrolyser for Efficient Green Ammonia Production

Project Overview

Hystar AS has announced that Yara Clean Ammonia has joined the HyPilot project, which will conduct the first in-field test of Hystar’s 1 MW containerized PEM electrolyser. The electrolyser will be commissioned in the second half of 2023 at the Kårstø Gas Processing Plant in Rogaland, Norway, operated by Gassco.

Testing and Verification

HyPilot aims to verify Hystar’s patented PEM technology under realistic field conditions. The electrolyser will operate for a total of 10,000 hours, providing performance data from various operating regimes to confirm its long-term commercial viability. The project will test the electrolyser in both 'efficiency' and 'dynamic' modes to suit variable outputs, such as those from wind applications.

Technological Advancements

Hystar’s PEM electrolyser features a significantly thinner membrane compared to conventional designs, resulting in better efficiency due to lower resistance. This advancement is expected to make green hydrogen production more cost-effective, supporting the global transition to clean energy.

Industry Collaboration

Yara’s involvement focuses on using hydrogen for green ammonia production. Equinor will demonstrate dynamic hydrogen production tailored to variable wind energy outputs. The project aims to drive down the cost of green hydrogen and support decarbonization efforts in high-emission sectors.

Future Prospects

Hystar has already completed two years of stack optimization and over 5,000 hours of testing. The company is now constructing a complete, autonomous, containerized PEM electrolyser with a hydrogen production capacity of up to 500 kg/day. The IEA predicts that the cost of producing hydrogen from renewable electricity could fall by 30% by 2030, and Hystar’s technology is already meeting or exceeding European targets.