Electrified Single Stage Ammonia Cracking to Compressed Hydrogen (EU) [SINGLE]

The project Electrified Single Stage Ammonia Cracking to Compressed Hydrogen (SINGLE) is part of competitive research and development (R&D) and is funded by the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 program, under the subprogram PILLAR II: Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness and the Hydrogen Storage and Distribution call, managed by the European Commission. With a budget of €196,250, the project runs from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2026.

Project Description

The SINGLE project aims to promote the use of ammonia as an energy carrier within the hydrogen value chain. To achieve this, an electrochemical proton ceramic reactor (PCER) will be developed, which integrates four key processes in a single stage: ammonia dehydrogenation (ADH), hydrogen separation, thermal management, and compression. This innovative technology will enable unprecedented energy efficiencies, with a system-level efficiency exceeding 90% (HHV).

The PCER-ADH technology will be capable of directly delivering purified hydrogen compressed to 20 bar. Additionally, the project plans to demonstrate this technology at a scale of 10 kg H₂/day, which will pave the way for future applications at larger scales, both in fuel supply stations and centralized installations at ports.

A key component of the project is the electrochemical cell, designed to act as a resistant, platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) ADH catalyst at 500 °C, along with a voltage-driven separator membrane. The expected results will advance this technology from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 to TRL 5.

Impact and Dissemination

SINGLE will also seek to strengthen the implementation of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier through active dissemination and communication of its results. This includes influencing key stakeholders in the value chain, such as standardization bodies within the hydrogen sector.

The consortium participating in SINGLE consists of partners from the industrial sector, research institutes, and academia, with recognized global excellence in fields such as catalysis, electrochemical membrane reactors, life cycle assessment, process engineering, control systems, and hydrogen refueling stations.

Additional Information

- Scope: Europe
- Keywords: Proton conducting ceramic, Ammonia cracking, Pressurized hydrogen, Single stage
- Developing Entity: Department of Systems Engineering, Automation, and Industrial Informatics
- Project Code: HORIZON-101112144-SINGLE
- Grant Program: CLEAN HYDROGEN JOINT UNDERTAKING
- URL: [SINGLE on CORDIS](https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101112144)

This project promises to significantly contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient technologies in the hydrogen field, positioning ammonia as a key vector in Europe's energy transition.