GREECE —Metacon SA, the Greek subsidiary of Swedish hydrogen developer Metacon AB, has secured an 80% public funding commitment for an EUR 130,407 research initiative aimed at optimizing Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) water electrolysis technology. The project, which spans a 24-month timeline, is co-financed through the European Regional Development Fund alongside Greek national resources under the Regional Innovation Strategy framework for Western Greece.
A primary objective of the program is the development and validation of a 0.5 kW AEM stack and test unit capable of achieving over 80% electrical efficiency. The research prioritizes catalyst formulations that eliminate reliance on critical raw materials and costly noble metals like iridium and platinum. Beyond catalyst design, the initiative encompasses improvements in electrode architecture, system component Integration, and membrane endurance during both continuous operations and frequent start-stop cycles.
Clean hydrogen production currently faces economic hurdles due to the high capital expenditure of noble metal catalysts typically required in proton exchange membrane systems. By pioneering durable, precious metal free AEM solutions, this research aligns with broader European Union decarbonization goals and raw material independence initiatives. The technological focus seeks to reduce electrolyzer manufacturing costs while mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities tied to critical minerals.
For commercial operators and energy transition investors, successfully scaling AEM technology offers a cost-competitive pathway to green hydrogen production. Achieving high operational flexibility and efficiency without expensive raw materials enhances the economic feasibility of integrating hydrogen units with intermittent renewable energy sources. This development strengthens Metacon's multi-technology portfolio, which already spans pressurized alkaline and proton exchange membrane electrolysis as well as catalytic reforming systems.
Metacon AB is a Sweden based supplier of hydrogen energy systems whose shares are traded on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market. The company engineers and provides complete hydrogen generation solutions, including pressurized alkaline electrolyzer plants through strategic manufacturing partnerships and proprietary catalytic reformers that produce hydrogen from renewable feedstocks.
