Direct seawater electrolysis

R&D Focus Areas:
Electrolysis, Water use and treatment, Techno-economic evaluation

Lead Organisation:
CSIRO

Partners:
Not applicable

Status:
Completed

Start date:
May 2023

Completion date:
November 2023

Key contacts:
Team Leader: Dr. Bita Bayatsarmadi – bita.bayatsarmadi@csiro.au
Project Leader: Dr. Yuyang Hou – yuyang.hou@csiro.au

Funding:
AUD$83,000 – CSIRO Hydrogen Future Science Program
AUD$14,000 – CSIRO Energy BU in-kind
AUD$51,000 – CSIRO Mineral Resources BU in-kind

Project total cost:
AUD$148,000 (total cash + in-kind)

Project summary description:
This project aims to conduct an in-depth investigation of direct seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production in response to freshwater feedstock scarcity, encompassing a comprehensive assessment from technical, environmental, and techno-economic perspectives.

In the technical aspect, the research explores the pros and cons of both direct seawater electrolysis and conventional electrolysis coupled with desalination units. This includes a comprehensive review of devices, catalysts, membrane technologies, desalination, etc.

In this project, the environment impact of direct seawater electrolysis has been evaluated. This evaluation includes an examination of its carbon footprint, resources utilisation, and waste management. This project has also explored the techno-economic feasibility of seawater electrolysis technology. Factors such as investment, costs, operational expenses, energy production efficiency and market potential have been considered.

The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive literature review on seawater electrolysis technology, offering insights into the latest developments and perspectives along with environmental impact.

Related publications and key links:
CSIRO ‘Future Science Platforms: Hydrogen Energy Systems’: Direct seawater electrolysis – Hydrogen Energy Systems (csiro.au)

Higher degree studies supported:
Not applicable

 

Reviewed: July 2024