Why and when were PEM electrolysers invented? They have their origins in pioneering work that was conducted by L J Nuttal and his team working at General Electric Company in Wilmington in the 1970s.
The idea to create a PEM fuel cell and electrolyser was conceived when the solid polymer electrolyte membrane was developed. The need was clear: to overcome some of the challenges associated with alkaline electrolysis technologies, which were evolving, but had challenges with operation when connected to intermittent or variable power supplies.
Innovation is a tread mill. It is a race to develop products with better functionality at lower cost. In the same way that PEM electrolysers ate into the share of alkaline electrolysers, new electrolysers are now knocking on the door of the established technologies.
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