Technology Overview

Electrolyzers are technologies used to produce renewable hydrogen through water electrolysis, generating green hydrogen with no CO₂ emissions when powered by renewable energy. This technology plays a key role in the transition toward a fully renewable energy system, meeting the growing demand for renewable hydrogen.

Technical Characteristics

There are three main types of electrolyzer cells: Alkaline Electrolyzer Cells (AEC), Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Cells (PEMEC), and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC). AEC uses a liquid electrolyte and can achieve large-scale capacity; PEMEC uses a solid electrolyte and operates at high current density; while SOEC operates at high temperatures and offers the highest efficiency.

Parameter	AEC	PEMEC	SOEC
Key materials	Ni, Ru, Ir	Pt, Ti, Ir	Co, Ni
Maximum capacity (MWe)	5	1	0.05
Efficiency (kWhe/kgH₂)	52.3	56.3	40.4
Lifetime (hours)	70,000	55,000	21,250
Size (m²/MW)	25	10	30

AEC has lower cost and longer lifetime but lower efficiency compared to PEMEC and SOEC. PEMEC is more compact and produces high-purity hydrogen, but has higher material costs. SOEC offers the highest efficiency but has shorter lifetime and requires high-temperature operation.

Application in Vietnam

In Vietnam, electrolyzers have not yet been widely deployed at commercial scale and are primarily at the research and feasibility assessment stage, particularly in connection with green hydrogen production. However, this technology is considered a key long-term component, especially when combined with renewable electricity to produce clean fuels for industrial use and energy export.