The Belgian group, Agfa, has received a European subsidy to increase production of its alkaline electrolyser membranes. At the same time, it is stepping up its collaboration with the Vito research centre to develop a new, more efficient and less expensive generation.

In a press release, Agfa announces that it has received an €11 million subsidy from the European Innovation Fund for its GIGA-SCALES project. This funding will enable larger-scale production of ZIRFON membranes for alkaline electrolysers. The plant is scheduled to open in October 2025 in Mortsel, Belgium.

Over 100 customers worldwide are already using these membranes. The future plant will be able to produce the equivalent of 20 gigawatts a year, according to Agfa, which has obtained a permit allowing for possible extensions depending on market demand.

At the same time, the Belgian manufacturer will be working with its compatriot, the VITO research centre, with which it already developed the first generation of membranes in 2007. They are working on new porous gas separation membranes to improve electrolyser performance and reduce the overall cost of hydrogen production. Agfa and VITO are also seeking funding to expand their efforts.

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Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Mariem Ben Tili